Q: You're a priest AND a scientist? Is that typical?
Q: What type of scientific research do you do?
A: Primarily economics and spatial analysis. Specializations include agricultural economics, analysis of consumer psychology and behavior, and ethical/theological implications of economies. Research has been theoretical, experimental, and in the field on four continents.
Q: What is the Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church?
A: The Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church (Old Holy Roman Church of the English Rite) is an Old Roman Catholic Patriarchate with Anglican patrimony. It continues the historic faith of the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman Church in England prior to the Protestant Reformation, maintained for the sake of Jesus Christ and the Holy See of Saint Peter at Rome. The Patriarchal See of Saint Stephen descends from the ancient Roman Catholic See of Utrecht, granted autonomy by the Holy See in 1145. It follows the calling of Saint Stephen the Deacon and Protomartyr with a specific mandate of mission work, service, and charity. The Stephenian Patriarchate is also a Catholic continuation of the Anglican Church brought to Tuscany (Etruria) in the 16th century by the British. Since that time, the British have maintained a lasting relationship with that region of Italy. The Etrurian region of Italy also has a centuries-old heritage with Old Roman Catholicism and a legacy of support for the ancient See of Utrecht. (Read more about Old Roman Catholicism and the Holy Roman Empire.)
Q: What is Old Roman Catholicism?
A: Old Roman Catholicism is an ancient line of Roman Catholicism descended from the See of Utrecht in Holland. That diocese was granted autonomy by the Holy See in 1145. While Old Roman Catholicism accepts the Pope, its historic administrative autonomy means that it is not administratively part of the Roman Communion (commonly called the Roman Catholic Church) today.
| Q: What is the definition of Roman Catholicism? A: "The largest of the Christian denominations is the Roman Catholic church. As an institution it has existed since the 1st century AD...The name of the church is derived from its base in Rome and from a Greek term meaning 'universal.' The word Catholic refers to the wholeness of the church, and for many centuries the Roman church claimed to be the only true Christian denomination."(Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia © 1996) "Christian church characterized by its uniform, highly developed doctoral and organizational structure that traces its history to the apostles of Jesus Christ in the 1st century C.E." (Marriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions © 1999, page 938) "The Holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church recognizes the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, as the Vicar of Christ on this earth, and as the Head of the Church. It traces its origin from the naming of the Apostles Peter by Jesus as the chief of the Apostles . The authority of Peter as head of the Church is exercised by his successors as the Bishops of Rome. The doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church come from the faith given by Christ to his Apostles." (World Religions, By Benson Y. Landis, © 1957 Page 110) |
A: Absolutely not. As Old Roman Catholics, we descend from the See of Utrecht, which was granted autonomy in 1145 by Pope Eugene III and confirmed in 1520 by Pope Leo X in the Bull Debitum Pastoralis, this right becoming known as the Leonine Privilege. The Church Councils in 1215 and 1717 further confirmed this right. It has also been confirmed by several more recent affirmations. Indeed, the See of Utrecht, from which we descend, provided a Pope, Hadrian VI, in 1522.
A: No. We, as Roman Catholics stemming from the See of Utrecht with an historic independence of government, are not part of the USCCB.
Q: Do you recognize the USCCB?
A: Of course. We recognize the Bishops, clergy, and faithful under the USCCB as brother Catholics. We always seek a cooperative relationship wherever possible.
A: No. The Anglican Ordinariate provides a means established by His Holiness Benedict XVI by which
Protestant Anglicans may convert to Catholicism and join the Roman Communion. These are
Catholics who are permitted to use Anglican-style worship within the modern Roman Communion.
It is otherwise known as Roman Catholic - Anglican Form.
Q: Cardinal? So do you elect the Pope?
A: No. The Pope is elected by the Cardinal Electors, certain Cardinals of the Roman Communion eligible to vote. The Old Roman Catholic Patriarch of Saint Stephen hold by tradition the rank of Cardinal Deacon of Santa Maria Antiqua. Several Old Roman Catholic prelates hold similar titles. Additionally, the Prince Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Knights of Malta) also holds the rank of Cardinal.
