American Catholic Church in the United States

The American Catholic Church in the United States (ACCUS) is an Independent Catholic church primarily in the United States, founded in 1999. ACCUS is an offshoot of the Independent Catholic movement, and so has no ecclesiastical relation with the Roman Catholic Church. ACCUS claims apostolic succession through Duarte Costa.[1]

For the denomination founded by Joseph René Vilatte, see American Catholic Church (1915).
American Catholic Church in the United States
ClassificationIndependent Catholic
GovernanceMixture of episcopal and congregational polity
FounderLawrence J. Harms
Origin1999
Frederick, Maryland
Separated fromDirectly from the Free Catholic Church
Clergy1 bishop, 16 priests, 3 deacons
Websiteaccus.us

Overview

ACCUS is listed as 501(c)(3) under the name American Catholic Church, Frederick, MD.[2]

History

The American Catholic Church in the United States was founded in Frederick, Maryland, by Lawrence J. Harms.[3]

At the beginning of 2018, ACCUS was composed of 1 bishop, 15 priests, and 3 deacons in 13 states.[4]

Theology and sacraments

The American Catholic Church in the United States states that it adheres to the doctrine of Vatican Council II.[5] ACCUS celebrates the seven sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony, and believes the sacrament of marriage can be celebrated for same-sex couples.[5][6]

References
  1. Ross, Robyn (June 2017). "Critical Mass: An Austin church remakes Catholicism without the Pope, celibate priests, or most of the other rules". Texas Monthly. Austin, Texas. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  2. Internal Revenue Service
  3. "Obituary of Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms". Frederick, Maryland. April 28, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  4. "Individual State Locations of the ACCUS". American Catholic Church in the United States. Retrieved April 11, 2018..
  5. "What is the American Catholic Church in the United States?". American Catholic Church in the United States. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2012..
  6. "'Gay unions OK:' Local cleric officiated at many". The Frederick News-Post. Frederick, Maryland. April 5, 2004. Retrieved April 11, 2018.


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