The United Ecumenical Catholic Church, of which the Ecumenical Christian Church UK is a member body holds and affirms as its core belief that which, in the words of St Vincent of Lerins, “Has been believed always, everywhere and by everyone” (Quidquid semper, et ubique et per omnes credidit)

That means that all we hold essential for salvation is contained in the three universally accepted Creeds, that of Nicea, the Apostles Creed and the “Quicumque vult” or Athanasian Creed. In the Nicene Creed we neither impose nor reject the disputed “Filioque” clause as we cannot fathom the internal mystery of God’s essence and being.

The way in which we put these beliefs into practice is by following the three paths of personal devotion, public worship centred on the Eucharist and living a life that reflects love for our fellow human beings.

That may sound simplistic but in each of those strands lies a wealth of variety and an abundance of tradition that has been acquired over the centuries.

We hold that the Sacraments are seven in number and form three groups: sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; sacraments of vocation, Order and Matrimony (Both of which are open to all without distinction or discrimination according to the call of God to each individual); and the sacraments of daily life, Penance, Eucharist and the anointing of the sick.

These sacraments are the ways in which God is effective in the lives of men and women and are the reality of the divine presence and power active in our moments of decision or need. In line with the teaching of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council we teach that Jesus is the Sacrament of the Father; the Church is the Sacrament of Jesus, His presence as Priest and servant; and the seven Sacraments are His presence in the lives of the faithful helping each and every one to be present to God’s creative and salvific love in the Holy Spirit.

All the sacraments are the gift of God freely given to all without distinction or discrimination on any grounds and it is not the right of priest or bishop to refuse the sacraments when requested by any baptised Christian.

The Eucharist we celebrate is open to all the baptised who wish to participate following the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of me”. We believe absolutely in the True and Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist but we choose not to haggle over words such as transubstantiation since the understanding of this core miracle we daily share in is for God not man to fathom. We believe that in celebrating the Eucharist we are made present in the Upper Room and on Calvary, that we share in the One Salvific Act and Sacrifice of Jesus and that the role of the priest in this is that of the one who acts “in persona Christi” to make this union and communion real.Further, we hold that all members of the Church are equal in God’s eyes and the love He has for them. From amongst these God calls those He wishes to serve in the ranks of the priesthood and consecrates them by the Sacrament of Orders. Their role is to serve as the bridge builders between humanity and God, to serve as the ministers and guardians of the sacraments and to pass on, through the bishops (Apostolic Succession) this duty of service and the consecration it requires.

The responsibility of the Bishop is threefold, to teach, to lead and to serve. In doing this a prime duty is to discern carefully the truth of whether an individual is called by God to serve in the sacramental priesthood and to ensure that such individuals are well prepared in mind, heart and spirit to become the servants of others.

We reject the words “rule and govern” in terms of the priestly role, preferring guide, inspire and serve; since these were the example given us by our Master and Lord Jesus Christ. The priesthood, then, in all three ranks, becomes the office of protector and facilitator of the sacraments with the bishop being protector and facilitator of the protectors and facilitators.Finally we echo the words of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said that “Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God, instead we got the Church”. The Church is not a political power for control of nations, of hearts, minds and bodies. It is a servant body intended to underlie all human activity and guide it according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

This is our faith; this is how we seek to live as Christ to the world.

Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!