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The Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship

The Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship is a unique gathering of clergy and communities in the liberal catholic tradition administered by the Old Catholic Apostolic Church.

"The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit is a Mystery "which from all ages hath been hid in God." Eph.3.9 
The Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship came into being in early 2007 as a result of contacts between clergy in the liberal Catholic tradition. It is an ecumenical clergy and community fellowship, and acts as an umbrella body for independent Catholics in the liberal tradition worldwide. It is autonomous, and has no connection with any of the churches currently using a formulation of the name "Liberal Catholic" save the LCAC.

The ILCF is not a fellowship of dogma; rather, it is a fellowship of support and freedom. It does not seek to control what its members believe or their approach to worship and devotions, but is an informal union of hearts and minds, joining together individual clergy and their jurisdictions for mutual edification and the greater glory of God. In this sense it fulfils more than a merely organisational role, and is a spiritual bond across boundaries.

Membership of the ILCF is open to clergy and communities only; there is no provision for individual lay membership. Clergy who have been ordained in the Apostolic Succession may become members even if their community is not, provided their Ordinary consents to their joining the ILCF. Arrangements can be made for those who have been ordained non-Apostolically to receive the blessing of Apostolic ordination on joining, again provided the consent of their Ordinary is given if they are within another jurisdiction. Members may belong to other associations or none at their choice. There are no membership dues, although all are expected to support the ILCF in its work as their gifts and resources permit. The ILCF is organised directly by the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church.

We have community and clergy members currently in many countries, embracing a following of several thousand souls.

Mission

The ILCF offers to God and His people a witness to a distinct and historical tradition of Catholicism that is different from that of the contemporary Roman Catholic church. Because it is non-dogmatic in nature, it welcomes those who are drawn to a liberal interpretation of Catholicism equally with those who come from within the traditions of the Liberal Catholic movement. It welcomes those clergy and denominations who recognise the essentials of Catholic sacramental worship but are stifled by teachings that are at variance with the love of God. The ILCF will not turn you away if you have been divorced, or if you are in civil partnership. It will not turn you away if your faith is mystic or shaped by individual conscience rather than Church dogma. It will not turn you away because of your sexuality.

The ILCF is Catholic but independent of the existing Roman Catholic and Liberal Catholic churches. It is free from the control and influence of national governments, and does not seek to impose upon the consciences of its members. It seeks to regain that relationship with God through Jesus Christ that was the blessing of the earliest Christians. It teaches that Christianity and liberty are indelibly united; "if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed!" (John 8:36)

Why join?

The ILCF has grown considerably since its inception. We believe it fulfils an important role as a fellowship of those who stand against the dangers of fundamentalism, intolerance and selective literalism currently sweeping the Church. Our independence gives us an unique voice for tolerance and freedom of conscience. We acknowledge that our members may be very different from one another and may believe very different things. What unites us is firstly a commitment to the essential truths of the Christian tradition and secondly a desire to turn the concept of the "broad church" into reality, seeking strength in our diversity.

If you join us, we do not ask you to change the name of your community or your ministry. All we ask is that you say that your community or ministry is now part of the Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship and that you adhere to a liberal interpretation of the Catholic faith in theology and practice. We will not seek to change the way you worship or the way your church is run. You retain full control, but benefit from the support and prayers of a widespread and strong fellowship of like-minded clergy.

To begin discussions concerning membership, please contact us via email.

Denominational or Religious Order Member; Countries where located; Clergy/Members of Religious Orders

The Sophia Circle

Members who are bishops in the Apostolic Succession and whose view of Christianity is in the esoteric tradition may also be interested to join the Sophia Circle. A number of bishops who are members of the ILCF are currently also members of the Sophia Circle.

Copyright, Old Catholic Apostolic Church-Worldwide 2012