One diocese in the broader Old Catholic tradition - offering valid apostolic ordination to the diaconate, priesthood, and episcopate for clergy and communities seeking orders in an independent Catholic jurisdiction.
The Diocese of the American Frontier is an independent Old Catholic jurisdiction rooted in the apostolic tradition of the Church of Utrecht, which maintained valid episcopal orders independent of Rome since 1724. We hold the full sacramental tradition of the ancient church - the seven sacraments, valid holy orders, episcopal governance - without submission to the Roman papacy.
Our apostolic succession traces through the Old Catholic lineage originating with the Church of Utrecht, which maintained valid episcopal orders independent of Rome since 1724. That succession is documented, carried by our bishop, and passed forward through every ordination we perform.
Lux et Caritas — Light and Love
The Old Catholic movement in America includes many independent jurisdictions and bishops. We are one of them. We do not speak for other Old Catholic bodies, claim to be the only Old Catholic church in America, or represent any diocese or jurisdiction beyond our own.
All ordinations are performed in person with the laying on of hands by a bishop with valid apostolic succession.
The diaconate is the first order of ordained ministry in the apostolic tradition. Deacons assist in liturgy, preach, baptize, and serve the community in works of charity and pastoral care.
The presbyterate confers authority to celebrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, anoint the sick, and offer the full sacramental life of the church to a congregation or community. Requires prior diaconal ordination or valid prior orders.
The episcopate is the fullness of holy orders. A bishop is consecrated to govern, teach, and sanctify - with the authority to ordain others. Episcopal consecration carries the highest apostolic responsibility and requires significant vetting and formation.
The church recognizes and commissions laypersons for specific ministries within the community. These credentials are not holy orders but formal ecclesiastical recognition of ministry role and authority. These commissions are available for on-line/remote appointment.
The question of validity matters. Anyone can call themselves a bishop - what counts is whether their orders trace back through a documented, unbroken line of episcopal consecrations to the apostolic church.
The Diocese of the American Frontier's bishop holds apostolic succession tracing through the Old Catholic tradition originating with the Church of Utrecht, which separated from Rome in 1724 and maintained unbroken valid episcopal orders.
Old Catholic orders are recognized as valid by the Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox theologians, and independent Catholic canonical scholars. When our bishop lays hands on a candidate, that succession passes forward in an unbroken line.
Valid ordination requires the physical laying on of hands by a bishop. All ordinations through this diocese are performed in person.
Submit an ordination inquiry through our form. Tell us about your background, your tradition, and the order you are seeking.
A conversation with one of our bishops to discuss your call, your ministry context, and confirm the appropriate order.
Candidates without prior theological formation are encouraged to complete relevant study through our affiliated university, AOCU.
The rite of ordination is performed in person, with the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration by our bishop.
Ordination confers authority. Formation shapes how that authority is used. The Diocese of the American Frontier strongly encourages all ordination candidates to pursue genuine theological education before or alongside the ordination process.
Our affiliated institution, American Old Catholic University, offers fully online theology and ministry degrees specifically grounded in the Old Catholic tradition - from the Bachelor of Theology through the Doctor of Ministry. No residency required.
Visit AOCU
Fully online theology and ministry degrees in the Old Catholic tradition. Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral programs. No residency requirement.
oldcatholic.university →Yes. The American Old Catholic Church traces its apostolic succession through the Church of Utrecht, which maintained valid episcopal orders independent of Rome since 1724. Old Catholic orders are recognized as valid by Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and independent Catholic scholars worldwide.
No. Valid Catholic ordination requires the physical laying on of hands by a bishop with valid apostolic succession. This is a sacramental requirement that cannot be performed remotely. We schedule in-person ordination services with our bishops at locations across the United States.
Possibly, depending on your existing lineage. Conditional ordination - acknowledging and confirming orders already received in a valid line - is a recognized practice in Old Catholic tradition. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
We do not require a degree, but we strongly encourage theological formation. Our affiliated institution, American Old Catholic University, offers online programs specifically designed to prepare ordination candidates in the Old Catholic tradition. We may require evidence of formation for priestly or episcopal orders.
It means you hold valid apostolic orders in the Old Catholic tradition, with a traceable and documented line of succession. It does not mean recognition by the Roman Catholic Church, the USCCB, or any accrediting body. Within independent Catholic, Old Catholic, and related communities, these orders carry genuine weight.
The Diocese of the American Frontier is one of many independent Old Catholic jurisdictions operating in the United States. It is not affiliated with, and does not represent or claim authority over, any other Old Catholic body, diocese, or bishop. It is not affiliated with or recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, or the Union of Utrecht. Ordinations are valid within this diocese and the broader independent Catholic tradition.