About us

The Liberal Catholic Church, Province of the United States of America (LCC USA)

The Liberal Catholic Church is an independent Catholic denomination rooted in the Old Catholic tradition (tracing to the Church of Utrecht, which broke with Rome in the 19th century over papal infallibility). Founded in England in 1916 by James Ingall Wedgwood and others, it reached the US in 1917–1919 and became a formal province that year. Headquarters are in Ojai, California, under Presiding Archbishop William S.H. Downey. It blends traditional Catholic sacraments and liturgy with intellectual freedom, mystical/esoteric teachings (including Theosophical influences), and openness to other religions.

### Core Features
- **Worship**: Traditional, uplifting liturgy based on pre-Vatican II forms (Holy Eucharist as central, in the vernacular). Emphasizes joy, beauty, and the Real Presence. Open communion for all who approach reverently.
- **Beliefs**: Affirms the Trinity, seven sacraments as channels of grace, Christ as a living presence, soul evolution (with concepts like reincarnation and karma), and universal spiritual truths across religions. Lay members enjoy full freedom of belief and conscience; clergy accept a basic Summary of Doctrine.
- **Community Life**: Study groups, spiritual formation, healing, prayer, and fellowship. Clergy may marry; focus on service, mysticism, and personal growth rather than rigid dogma.

Our focus on **traditional liturgy, prayer, study groups, healing, and fellowship** matches the LCC approach well. The church welcomes independent thinkers seeking ancient sacramental worship with intellectual liberty.

Everyone is welcome! NO Dogma, Non judgemental, Worship in Joy!

For more: Visit [thelccusa.org](https://www.thelccusa.org/) for liturgy resources. Consider reaching out about affiliation or formation programs.

Contact Subdeacon Jeremy@ jeremyacrites@yahoo.com