American Catholic Church in the United States

The American Catholic Church in the United States (ACCUS) is a denomination of clergy and laity in the Independent Catholic tradition. Founded in 1999, ACCUS holds some similar theological beliefs and practices to the Roman Catholic Church but is not in communion with that church or under papal jurisdiction.[2]

For the denomination founded by Joseph René Vilatte, see American Catholic Church (1915).
American Catholic Church in the U.S.
ClassificationIndependent Catholic
GovernanceMixture of episcopal and congregational polity
HeadWilliam A. Johnson
FounderLawrence J. Harms
Origin1999
Frederick, Maryland
Separated fromDirectly from the Free Catholic Church, indirectly from the Roman Catholic Church
Congregations14
Members5500[1]
Clergy1 bishop, 16 priests, 3 deacons
Websiteaccus.us

Overview

The American Catholic Church in the United States derives its claim to apostolic succession through Bishop Duarte and Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo in the Roman Catholic tradition, as well as through Eastern traditions.

The church shares some theological and moral teachings with the Roman Catholic Church, however there are major differences. ACCUS embraces a progressive interpretation of the Spirit of Vatican II, teaching that nonjudgementalism takes precedence in regard to more difficult moral questions. ACCUS rejects what it deems as "legalistic moral pronouncements" regarding such issues, holding that faith in Jesus Christ, along with an informed and enlightened conscience molded on the Gospel principles of truth, justice, compassion and love, should be the ultimate motivating force in a person's life.

ACCUS does not require its priests, deacons, bishops or other clergy and/or religious members to be celibate. Members of the clergy may be married, in a domestic partnership, divorced, or widowed. ACCUS also allows for the ordination of women. All members of the clergy are required to support themselves through outside employment. ACCUS does not discriminate on the basis of gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status, or previous religious affiliations.

ACCUS is listed as 501(c)(3) under the name American Catholic Church, Frederick, MD.[3]

Robyn Ross, writing for the Texas Monthly, notes that members of ACCUS see the church as "an expression of Catholicism that has been updated for modern times."[2]

History

The American Catholic Church in the United States was founded in Frederick, Maryland, by the Most Reverend Lawrence J. Harms[4] on June 3, 1999, one year after his consecration as bishop in the Free Catholic Church. Harms led the church as the presiding archbishop until his resignation on April 26, 2012, two days before his death. The original jurisdiction consisted of a single diocese, the Diocese of the Holy Cross, which contained four provinces.

In March 2002, in light of the priest sex abuse scandal that shook the Roman Catholic Church, ACCUS approved a zero-tolerance abuse policy of its own.

On December 4, 2004, ACCUS ordained its first female deacon, the Rev. Maureen Sullivan of Anniston, Alabama, who also became the church's first woman priest on July 2, 2005.

ACCUS had expanded to 21 clergy and seminarians in 12 states by 2007, when it experienced its first contraction with 16 clergy leaving the church. A second contraction occurred in 2013, when eight clergy in six states exited the church.

At the beginning of 2018, ACCUS was composed of 1 bishop, 15 priests, and 3 deacons in 13 states.[5] At that time, the jurisdiction's most active ministry was found at Holy Family Catholic Church in Austin, Texas, where four priests and two deacons ministered to more than 200 congregants who were gathering weekly to celebrate the Eucharist.[2]

Leadership

The following individuals have served as Presiding Archbishop of the American Catholic Church in the United States:

  • The Most Rev. Lawrence J. Harms (1999-2012)
  • The Most Rev. William A. Johnson (2012 to present)

Theology and sacraments

The American Catholic Church in the United States states that it adheres to "the essential Catholic doctrine and practice as expressed and implied in the statements of Vatican Council II, and in the light of the best contemporary thought."[6] ACCUS celebrates the seven sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Marriage. Because ACCUS "rejects artificial barriers to the reception of the sacraments based on marital status, sexuality or orientation",[6] the sacrament of Marriage can be celebrated for same-sex couples.[7]

References
  1. Handbook of Denominations in the United States, 14th Edition. Abingdon Press. 2018. p. 73. ISBN 9781501822520. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  2. Ross, Robyn (June 2017). "Critical Mass: An Austin church remakes Catholicism without the Pope, celibate priests, or most of the other rules". Texas Monthly. Austin, Texas. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  3. Internal Revenue Service
  4. "Obituary of Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms". Frederick, Maryland. April 28, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  5. "Individual State Locations of the ACCUS". American Catholic Church in the United States. Retrieved April 11, 2018..
  6. "What is the American Catholic Church in the United States?". American Catholic Church in the United States. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2012..
  7. "'Gay unions OK:' Local cleric officiated at many". The Frederick News-Post. Frederick, Maryland. April 5, 2004. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
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