Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Independent Catholic Union and why was it formed?

A: The Independent Catholic Union is an independent jurisdiction of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church in the autocephalous or independent movement. It was formed to give those persons who are sincere in desiring ordination into a Christian communion with a valid, historical line of apostolic succession the opportunity to serve God as a Deacon or Priest.

Q: If that is the case, why not become ordained in the mainstream denominations such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church or others?

A: Because for some, it simply is not possible. The reasons are many and diverse. Such may include the inability to attend a full time Seminary, because of gender or other societal reasons, or even dogmatic or doctrinal reasons of their respective bodies of worship.

Q: So, is the Independent Catholic Union a group of clergy who are in schism with their own church?

A: The answer is no. The Independent Catholic Union was not formed by a group of clergy who are schismatic. The ICU was formed simply to give those who do not have the means or opportunity to serve their God in fulfillment to a calling that God has placed upon them.

Q: Does ordination by the ICU make a person a Roman Catholic Deacon or Priest?

A: Again the answer is no. That would be impossible. To suggest otherwise would be highly unethical. The Independent Catholic Union does not seek to suggest this or mislead anyone into thinking that this may be the case. The Independent Catholic Union is not Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican or any other specific denomination. We are catholic in the meaning of universal. All members of the clergy who are ordained by the ICU may choose the Latin Rite and Tradition. The Holy Orders conferred by us are seen by the Roman See as valid, but as "canonically irregular and independent".

Q: Is the Independent Catholic Union an "Internet Church"?

A: The answer is no. The Independent Catholic Union has many parishes located across the world. The Internet is a valuable resource in means of communication, reaching out to people in a non confrontational format, and bridging a gap that may be thousands of miles long, in a second.

Q: How are ordinations accomplished?

A: All those interested in ordination should send an email to the Presiding Bishop indicating this. Initially, persons are licensed into the Order of Deacon. They serve in this Office for a period of at least one year. This is a period of learning, training, and testing. The time constraint may be modified at the Bishop's discretion. Persons who have been previously ordained in a communion with a valid historical line of succession may be incardinated/ordained as a Priest.

Q: If I am ordained or incardinated into the Independent Catholic Union, will I have valid apostolic succession?

A: In a word, yes.

Q: Once ordained, am I an independent clergy person?

A: Yes, you are, however all clergy members ordained by the ICU are under the Episcopal oversight of the Bishop.

DISCLAIMER The ICU DOES NOT assume any LEGAL responsibility for its ministers. Neither the ICU nor the individual minister is an agent for or of the other However, each minister IS answerable to the ICU and does come under the Episcopal oversight of the Bishop. If an investigation finds serious violations of Christian ethics, morals and values have indeed been committed, certain sanctions can and maybe applied, up to and including removal and or revocation of the clergy members faculties and ordination and a return to the state of laity.

+Christ Before us, +Christ Behind us, +Christ Above us!