INDEPENDENT CELTIC CHRISTIANITY
Originally, during the first generations of Christianity, all local churches were independent and there was no
central governing organization. These local communities were ministered to by what we would today call Bishops
and Deacons. The rank of Priest only began to emerge and be differentiated from that of Bishop later, during the
mid-second century, as the Church expanded from the cities to the rural areas.
Beginning in the second Century, with the spread of Christianity into the rural areas outside of the cities, and
particularly after the devolution of the presbyter (i.e. priest) from the Order of Bishop, local churches began to be
grouped together to permit better organization and supervision of orthodoxy. Parishes began to be led by priests.
Bishops became heads of regions called diocese and bishops of cities, called a Metropolitan. An Archbishop
supervised, but did not rule over or govern the nearby rural diocese. Diocesan Bishops were completely
autonomous in their own diocese as long as they remained true to the Faith.
All were organized under the leadership of a principal bishop called a Patriarch, who headed the most important
diocese in the world. In ancient times the Patriarchs were the Bishops of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome
and Constantinople. Each were equal in rank, prestige, and authority; though particular honor was given to the
Patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople as their Sees were the seats of Imperial Roman Government. Today, the
Patriarch of Rome, also know as the Patriarch of the West, is also called the Pope. The Patriarch of
Constantinople, called the Ecumenical Patriarch, is the leader of all Eastern Orthodox Churches, a title of honor,
not of governance, except within his own Greek Orthodox Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches, perhaps better known as the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox
Church, etc., continue to follow the model of the Patriarch leader as a "first among equals" today. Local Bishops
and Metropolitans have autonomy and are answerable to their "Synod of Bishops" rather than to the Patriarch in
matters of orthodoxy and discipline. Though they employ a liturgy which is very different from that used in the West,
they are none the less Catholic, and of ancient and Apostolic origin.
There are many Catholic Churches today which belong to the Orthodox family. Many have a national or ethnic
character. All are completely self governing. Some, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, have their own
Patriarch. Each shares a communion with the other Churches of Orthodoxy. Though formed at different times, all
are said to have entered schism, i.e. severed relations, with Rome in 1054 in response to non-historical
assertions of Papal Authority.
Western Catholic Christianity experienced an authoritarian approach to leadership under the control of the
Patriarch/bishop of Rome, the Pope. Propelled by a vacuum of civil leadership after the fall of the Western Roman
Empire, and fueled by medieval political intrigues, the Popes soon asserted greater and greater authority.
Through the years, assertions of Papal power and authority have frequently led to conflict and scandal. The Great
Schism of 1054 in which Roman Catholicism split Christianity by breaking ties with Easter Orthodoxy, the
scandalous conduct of the Renaissance Church, the Reformation of the sixteenth century, and numerous smaller
schisms which have occurred since, can be traced to this authoritarian approach.
WHAT IS THE CCC's PLACE?
The CCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "...one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church".
Autocephalous literally means "having its own head", and is best defined as "self governing". The Church is one
because it is one with its founder, Jesus Christ and, in His Mystical Body, is one with all believers. The Church is
holy because Christ is Holy and sanctifies the Church by His continuing Presence in the Sacraments and His
Word. The Church is catholic both because, as a member of Christ's mystical body, it is universal; and because it
consciously links itself to the traditions and practices of the historic Church. The Church is Apostolic because it is
linked to the faith, teachings and authority of the Apostles, both Sacramentally and historically, through the
Apostolic Succession of the Bishops and Clergy. The CCC's foundations can be traced to the United States,
where Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of several different Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined together in
common unity to re-form the CCC. The CCC itself was founded in 2006 AD, and is governed by a Council of
Bishops. The Church is led by the Presiding Bishop, and assisted by the Chancellor Bishop, who act as the
administrative heads of the Church. The local Diocese is headed by a Diocesan Bishop who enjoys legislative
and judicial autonomy within and for his own Diocese. Saint Brendan’s School of Celtic Studies is overseen by a
Bishop Dean of Celtic Christian Studies. Though its roots are North American and Celtic, the CCC today is a
thoroughly American Celtic Christian Church which seeks to integrate the uniquely American cultural experience
with the ancient traditions of the Celtic Christian Faith.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
Refer to the Nicene Creed, and the Apostle’s Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist (i.e. the Holy Mass) is celebrated in Rites generated
within the CCC depending on the needs and desires of the local community, and with approval by the Diocesan
Bishop. Liturgical worship is not required or mandatory, it is the choice of each priest and congregation to conduct
services of their own choosing, including contemporary Christian services, which are completely
non-denominational in nature.
INFALLIBILITY
The CCC believes that Christ calls each of us, as a free gift of Grace, to be equal members of His Mystical Body.
No individual, regardless of position in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the pope), receives an infallible
personal insight into the Mind of God by virtue of their call or position in the Church. Rather, the Holy Spirit inspires
each person, lay, religious and clergy, with gifts for the building of God's Kingdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 12, et al.)
according to the Spirit's Plan for God's People. The clergy are ordained as leaders and teachers of the Gospel; not
as princes, or infallible arbiters of theological opinion. It is the duty of each person, under the teaching guidance of
the Church, to inform themselves through prayer and study, and arrive at an understanding of the Truth revealed to
our world by Jesus Christ, and to apply their individual gifts to the building of God's Kingdom.
Christ committed to His Apostles a ministry of teaching which they, in turn, passed to their successors, the
Bishops. It is therefore the Sacramental Charism of the Bishops of the Church, acting in a moral consensus, to
define the beliefs of the Church and to regulate Sacraments. To be accepted as defined matters of the Faith and
inerrant Truth. Theological postulates however, require a moral consensus of all bishops and must also be
received as inerrant Truth by the People of God. Thus they cannot be imposed on the People of God by the actions
of any single person, regardless of their office or stature in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the pope).
The CCC, therefore, completely rejects the imposed dogma of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome as well as claims
by the incumbents of that office, holy men though they may be, to supremacy over other bishops.
A WELCOMING CHURCH
The CCC welcomes all people to participation in the life and Sacraments of the Church; asking only Scripturally
moral conduct which is appropriate for all Christians.
The call to be a Christian entails moral and ethical behavior which flows from a conscience informed by prayer
and study. While it is not the function of the Church to be judgmental regarding the conduct of individual members,
this should not be seen as affirming immoral conduct of any kind, but as a recognition that we are incompetent
and unworthy to judge another.
It is, rather, the Church's function to offer instruction and guidance in a Christian way of life so that those whom
He calls may lead lives in imitation of Christ out of Love for God and not from fear of damnation, nor from censure
by their sisters and brothers (cf. Matthew 7:1-5; John 8:7, et al.).
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE AND THE SACRAMENTS
Divorce is not generally an impediment to remarriage in the CCC, and does not bar one from the reception of
the Sacraments.
LIFE COMMITMENTS BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME GENDER
The CCC believes that love between one man and one woman is a gift from God. We believe that the commitment
in love between one man and one woman should also be blessed by God through the ministry of the Church. It is
Scripturally backed when we state that we do NOT support same-sex unions of any type. The CCC, therefore, will
not conduct weddings for unions other than that of one man and one woman.
ADMISSION TO HOLY ORDERS
For details on incardination of Clergy or admission of candidates for Holy Orders please contact one of our
Bishops and read our requirement for Ordination.
RELATIONS WITH OTHER CHURCHES
We welcome all who come to us in the Name of the Lord. We believe that all communities of faith honor and
worship the one God. We extend to them the warmest of bonds of Love and Fellowship. They are our brothers
and sisters in our common God. (cf. Mark 9:40) The CCC is an independent, autocephalous Church; neither
Roman Catholic nor Protestant, but simply Celtic Christian. We are self governing and are subordinate to no
leadership but our own, and ultimately accountable to God. We welcome to the Lord's Table all baptized
Christians who approach it reverently, regardless of their current ecclesiastical affiliation. Divorce and remarriage
are not impediments to the reception of the Holy Eucharist (see Matthew 10:8).
PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
All people sin. Sin is a sad, but inherent part of a human nature which has yet to fully align itself with the Will of
God. As sinners we recognize the need for repentance and reordering of our lives; but also trust in the infinite love
and forgiveness of our Lord. Reconciliation is the great Sacrament by which those who have wandered on paths
which lead astray are reunited and reconciled to the Lord and His People.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Those who may feel that the CCC offers them the kind of worship community that they are seeking are invited to
contact any Clergy of the Church for information on joining us.
Originally, during the first generations of Christianity, all local churches were independent and there was no
central governing organization. These local communities were ministered to by what we would today call Bishops
and Deacons. The rank of Priest only began to emerge and be differentiated from that of Bishop later, during the
mid-second century, as the Church expanded from the cities to the rural areas.
Beginning in the second Century, with the spread of Christianity into the rural areas outside of the cities, and
particularly after the devolution of the presbyter (i.e. priest) from the Order of Bishop, local churches began to be
grouped together to permit better organization and supervision of orthodoxy. Parishes began to be led by priests.
Bishops became heads of regions called diocese and bishops of cities, called a Metropolitan. An Archbishop
supervised, but did not rule over or govern the nearby rural diocese. Diocesan Bishops were completely
autonomous in their own diocese as long as they remained true to the Faith.
All were organized under the leadership of a principal bishop called a Patriarch, who headed the most important
diocese in the world. In ancient times the Patriarchs were the Bishops of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome
and Constantinople. Each were equal in rank, prestige, and authority; though particular honor was given to the
Patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople as their Sees were the seats of Imperial Roman Government. Today, the
Patriarch of Rome, also know as the Patriarch of the West, is also called the Pope. The Patriarch of
Constantinople, called the Ecumenical Patriarch, is the leader of all Eastern Orthodox Churches, a title of honor,
not of governance, except within his own Greek Orthodox Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches, perhaps better known as the Greek Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox
Church, etc., continue to follow the model of the Patriarch leader as a "first among equals" today. Local Bishops
and Metropolitans have autonomy and are answerable to their "Synod of Bishops" rather than to the Patriarch in
matters of orthodoxy and discipline. Though they employ a liturgy which is very different from that used in the West,
they are none the less Catholic, and of ancient and Apostolic origin.
There are many Catholic Churches today which belong to the Orthodox family. Many have a national or ethnic
character. All are completely self governing. Some, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, have their own
Patriarch. Each shares a communion with the other Churches of Orthodoxy. Though formed at different times, all
are said to have entered schism, i.e. severed relations, with Rome in 1054 in response to non-historical
assertions of Papal Authority.
Western Catholic Christianity experienced an authoritarian approach to leadership under the control of the
Patriarch/bishop of Rome, the Pope. Propelled by a vacuum of civil leadership after the fall of the Western Roman
Empire, and fueled by medieval political intrigues, the Popes soon asserted greater and greater authority.
Through the years, assertions of Papal power and authority have frequently led to conflict and scandal. The Great
Schism of 1054 in which Roman Catholicism split Christianity by breaking ties with Easter Orthodoxy, the
scandalous conduct of the Renaissance Church, the Reformation of the sixteenth century, and numerous smaller
schisms which have occurred since, can be traced to this authoritarian approach.
WHAT IS THE CCC's PLACE?
The CCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "...one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church".
Autocephalous literally means "having its own head", and is best defined as "self governing". The Church is one
because it is one with its founder, Jesus Christ and, in His Mystical Body, is one with all believers. The Church is
holy because Christ is Holy and sanctifies the Church by His continuing Presence in the Sacraments and His
Word. The Church is catholic both because, as a member of Christ's mystical body, it is universal; and because it
consciously links itself to the traditions and practices of the historic Church. The Church is Apostolic because it is
linked to the faith, teachings and authority of the Apostles, both Sacramentally and historically, through the
Apostolic Succession of the Bishops and Clergy. The CCC's foundations can be traced to the United States,
where Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of several different Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined together in
common unity to re-form the CCC. The CCC itself was founded in 2006 AD, and is governed by a Council of
Bishops. The Church is led by the Presiding Bishop, and assisted by the Chancellor Bishop, who act as the
administrative heads of the Church. The local Diocese is headed by a Diocesan Bishop who enjoys legislative
and judicial autonomy within and for his own Diocese. Saint Brendan’s School of Celtic Studies is overseen by a
Bishop Dean of Celtic Christian Studies. Though its roots are North American and Celtic, the CCC today is a
thoroughly American Celtic Christian Church which seeks to integrate the uniquely American cultural experience
with the ancient traditions of the Celtic Christian Faith.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
Refer to the Nicene Creed, and the Apostle’s Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist (i.e. the Holy Mass) is celebrated in Rites generated
within the CCC depending on the needs and desires of the local community, and with approval by the Diocesan
Bishop. Liturgical worship is not required or mandatory, it is the choice of each priest and congregation to conduct
services of their own choosing, including contemporary Christian services, which are completely
non-denominational in nature.
INFALLIBILITY
The CCC believes that Christ calls each of us, as a free gift of Grace, to be equal members of His Mystical Body.
No individual, regardless of position in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the pope), receives an infallible
personal insight into the Mind of God by virtue of their call or position in the Church. Rather, the Holy Spirit inspires
each person, lay, religious and clergy, with gifts for the building of God's Kingdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 12, et al.)
according to the Spirit's Plan for God's People. The clergy are ordained as leaders and teachers of the Gospel; not
as princes, or infallible arbiters of theological opinion. It is the duty of each person, under the teaching guidance of
the Church, to inform themselves through prayer and study, and arrive at an understanding of the Truth revealed to
our world by Jesus Christ, and to apply their individual gifts to the building of God's Kingdom.
Christ committed to His Apostles a ministry of teaching which they, in turn, passed to their successors, the
Bishops. It is therefore the Sacramental Charism of the Bishops of the Church, acting in a moral consensus, to
define the beliefs of the Church and to regulate Sacraments. To be accepted as defined matters of the Faith and
inerrant Truth. Theological postulates however, require a moral consensus of all bishops and must also be
received as inerrant Truth by the People of God. Thus they cannot be imposed on the People of God by the actions
of any single person, regardless of their office or stature in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the pope).
The CCC, therefore, completely rejects the imposed dogma of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome as well as claims
by the incumbents of that office, holy men though they may be, to supremacy over other bishops.
A WELCOMING CHURCH
The CCC welcomes all people to participation in the life and Sacraments of the Church; asking only Scripturally
moral conduct which is appropriate for all Christians.
The call to be a Christian entails moral and ethical behavior which flows from a conscience informed by prayer
and study. While it is not the function of the Church to be judgmental regarding the conduct of individual members,
this should not be seen as affirming immoral conduct of any kind, but as a recognition that we are incompetent
and unworthy to judge another.
It is, rather, the Church's function to offer instruction and guidance in a Christian way of life so that those whom
He calls may lead lives in imitation of Christ out of Love for God and not from fear of damnation, nor from censure
by their sisters and brothers (cf. Matthew 7:1-5; John 8:7, et al.).
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE AND THE SACRAMENTS
Divorce is not generally an impediment to remarriage in the CCC, and does not bar one from the reception of
the Sacraments.
LIFE COMMITMENTS BETWEEN PERSONS OF THE SAME GENDER
The CCC believes that love between one man and one woman is a gift from God. We believe that the commitment
in love between one man and one woman should also be blessed by God through the ministry of the Church. It is
Scripturally backed when we state that we do NOT support same-sex unions of any type. The CCC, therefore, will
not conduct weddings for unions other than that of one man and one woman.
ADMISSION TO HOLY ORDERS
For details on incardination of Clergy or admission of candidates for Holy Orders please contact one of our
Bishops and read our requirement for Ordination.
RELATIONS WITH OTHER CHURCHES
We welcome all who come to us in the Name of the Lord. We believe that all communities of faith honor and
worship the one God. We extend to them the warmest of bonds of Love and Fellowship. They are our brothers
and sisters in our common God. (cf. Mark 9:40) The CCC is an independent, autocephalous Church; neither
Roman Catholic nor Protestant, but simply Celtic Christian. We are self governing and are subordinate to no
leadership but our own, and ultimately accountable to God. We welcome to the Lord's Table all baptized
Christians who approach it reverently, regardless of their current ecclesiastical affiliation. Divorce and remarriage
are not impediments to the reception of the Holy Eucharist (see Matthew 10:8).
PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
All people sin. Sin is a sad, but inherent part of a human nature which has yet to fully align itself with the Will of
God. As sinners we recognize the need for repentance and reordering of our lives; but also trust in the infinite love
and forgiveness of our Lord. Reconciliation is the great Sacrament by which those who have wandered on paths
which lead astray are reunited and reconciled to the Lord and His People.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Those who may feel that the CCC offers them the kind of worship community that they are seeking are invited to
contact any Clergy of the Church for information on joining us.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| "The Immigrant" |
| copyright 2007 Celtic Communion of Christ all rights reserved |
| website design by graphic intentions - a division of God's Will Ministries Inc. |
| History and Principles of the CCC WHO ARE WE? The Celtic Communion of Christ (CCC) is a community of Christians comprising an independent and self-governing Celtic Christian Church. The CCC is just one of several independent Celtic Christian Churches around the world. |