THE ANGLICAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Anglican Catholic Church (ACC) is a branch of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, founded by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It faithfully preserves the historic Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order, Orthodox Worship, and the traditional teachings and practices of classical Anglicanism.
The term "Anglican" means "English", reflecting the Church's historical roots in the ancient Church of England. The Anglican Catholic Church continues the rich English liturgical, theological, spiritual, and pastoral heritage that developed through the centuries while remaining firmly grounded in the faith of the undivided Church.
The word "Catholic" means "Universal." The Anglican Catholic Church understands itself to be part of the universal Church of Christ, extending across nations and cultures. Today, the ACC has congregations and ministries in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and Asia, proclaiming the Gospel while maintaining the historic Catholic faith.
The Anglican Catholic Church accepts the doctrine and discipline of the undivided Church of the first millennium, particularly as expressed in the Seven Ecumenical Councils. It upholds the authority of Holy Scripture, the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Sacraments instituted by Christ, Apostolic Succession, and the historic episcopate. This commitment places the ACC firmly within the historic Catholic tradition while preserving the distinctive heritage of Anglicanism.
The Congress of St. Louis (1977)
A defining moment in the history of the Anglican Catholic Church occurred in September 1977, when nearly 2,000 Anglican bishops, clergy, and lay faithful gathered at the Congress of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Concerned about theological innovation and changes within The Episcopal Church that they believed departed from historic Anglican doctrine and practice, the delegates resolved to preserve and continue orthodox Anglican Christianity.
The Congress adopted the historic Affirmation of St. Louis, a foundational document that reaffirmed the authority of Holy Scripture, the Catholic Creeds, the Apostolic Ministry, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the traditional Sacraments, and the historic Anglican formularies. The delegates committed themselves to maintaining the faith and worship received from the ancient Church.
Initially organised under the name "Anglican Church of North America," the new jurisdiction was placed under the episcopal oversight of the Right Reverend Albert A. Chambers, retired Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. Bishop Chambers provided canonical leadership and ensured the continuation of Apostolic Succession through the consecration of additional bishops.
Following the Congress of St. Louis, Bishop Albert Chambers participated in the consecration of four bishops to provide leadership for the growing traditional Anglican movement. As the Church developed and expanded internationally, it adopted the name The Anglican Catholic Church (ACC).
Since its formation, the Anglican Catholic Church has remained committed to preserving the historic Anglican patrimony while witnessing to the Catholic faith in continuity with the undivided Church. It continues to celebrate the Holy Eucharist according to traditional Anglican liturgy, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, administer the Sacraments, and serve communities throughout the world.
Mission of the Anglican Catholic Church
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To proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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To preserve and teach the Catholic Faith as received from the Apostles.
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To maintain Apostolic Succession and the historic episcopate.
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To celebrate the Sacraments with reverence according to traditional Anglican worship.
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To call all people into communion with Christ through faithful preaching, worship, and Christian service.
The Anglican Catholic Church continues to stand as "An Ancient Faith for the Modern World," faithfully preserving the treasures of historic Anglicanism while proclaiming the timeless Gospel of Jesus Christ to every generation.