SameDiff

Baptism
Baptism incorporates us into the Church, associates us
with the death and Resurrection of Christ unto new life,
effects a forgiveness of sins, and orients us to the
worship of God and the wider mission of the Church.
The CCA places Chrismation (Confirmation) with
Baptism and the ordinary minister of both sacraments is
the priest.

Eucharist
The CCA teaches that all baptized Christians are worthy
of receiving Holy Eucharist. Other denominations refer to
this as an Open Communion Table. Some denominations
teach that one must be in the state of grace to receive
Holy Communion, but we teach that Communion gives
grace. All of us, as sinners, need the grace of receiving
the Body and Blood of Christ.

Matrimony
The sacrament of marriage is open to all mature, loving adults
who want to solemnize their union in the eyes of God and the
Church. Therefore, same gender marriages are accepted in the
CCA. Couples who have had their marriages legally dissolved
through divorce can sacramentally re-marry within the CCA.
Divorce is not an obstacle to the reception of the sacraments.
Artificial contraception is an issue of conscience between a
husband, wife and God.

Holy Orders
Christ died for all of us. Gender, sexuality or marital status has nothing to do with
the reception of any of the sacraments. Therefore, men, women, married, single,
gay and straight can be ordained as deacons, priests and bishops within the CCA.

Liturgy
Our liturgical celebrations are similar to that of other high liturgical churches
(e.g., Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, etc.). The Mass is similar to that
of our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. The CCA does adhere to the
doctrine of transubstantiation. Consistent with the teaching that God is neither
male nor female, we strive to use language that is inclusive and non-gender
specific.

Validations

Ancient Validation

Utrecht receives Rights of Autonomy from Blessed Pope Eugene III in 1145.

This Right is confirmed by pope Leo in 1215 and becomes known universally as the Leonine Privilege.

Privilege subsequently reconfirmed in two Church Councils in 1520 and 1717.

More Recent Validations

Dominus Jesus issued by the Roman Catholic Magisterium in the year 2000, signed by pope John Paul II on
June 16, and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger on August 6, states, "The churches which, while not existing in perfect
communion with the (Roman) Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by
Apostolic Succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular churches."

A Concordat was signed between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Glazmaker of Utrecht in 1989, recognizing
the Catholic status of one another and the validity of one another's sacraments.

"The Roman Church recognizes the validity of Old Catholic Orders and Sacraments." 1974, Catholic
Almanac, Our Sunday Visitor

"The Old Catholics, like the Orthodox, possess a valid priesthood." Separated Brethren by William J.
Whalen

"... Catholics may receive the Eucharist, penance or anointing from sacred ministers of non-Catholic
denominations whose Orders are considered valid by the Catholic Church. This includes Eastern Orthodox
priests, priests of the Old Catholic and Polish National Church." A Catholic Guide to the New Code of
Canon Law, Thomas P. Doyle, OP

"Ordinations performed by the bishops of the Old Catholics are considered valid." A Practical Commentary
on the Code of Canon Law, Rev. Stanislaw Woywood, OFM, LLB

The Catholic Church of the Americas (CCA) is one of many Independent Catholic
Churches in the world. We are Catholic because of our theology and polity. We adhere
to the seven sacraments and we enjoy valid tactile apostolic succession. We are
independent of Rome and the authority of the pope but we do recognize him as one
bishop among many who - like all bishops - teaches, governs and sanctifies the children
of God in a manner consistent with dogma and tradition. Though our similarity with the
Roman Catholic Church is great, we also have some differences. Women, for example,
are encouraged to be more fully involved in the ministry of the Church. As St. Paul
wrote, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all
one in Christ Jesus."