The ApostolicWestern Orthodox Church

AWOC Vision Statement

Our founding vision is to form an organically American communion of Catholic and Apostolic Churches, which minister to the diverse cultures and communities that embody
this nation. Additionally, our goal and purpose are to be a missional church, 
manifest the Kingdom of God to the nations of the world, and express the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With Sacred Scripture and the traditions of the Church as our
guide, we seek to experience the full nature of the living historic Catholic Church in its sacramental communion with a personal God, its charismatic joy in the Spirit, and its evangelistic zeal to share our blessed hope with all people. To those who seek a deeper
experience of God in the sacraments, a more profound communion with His Spirit, spiritual growth, community with fellow believers, and service to a broken world, we are committed to upholding and teaching from the historic deposit of faith.

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CCIA Mission Statement

The distinctive mission of the  AWOC is threefold:

1. 1. First, we are to bear witness and be a living active example of, the essential spiritual unity that exists among all the branches and cultures of Catholicism. Therefore, the AWOC is an ecclesial communion commissioned to affirm, recognize and pray for all the branches of the One, Holy, Catholic, and apostolic church, and to embrace the clergy and laity of these branches as true brothers and sisters of Christ's One, Holy Church.  
   We are to be at a prophetic voice, and prototype of unity in both an attitude of humility, charity,  works, worship, and mission, that we may bear witness to that divine hope and calling, bringing to life our hope which lies within.
    

2. Secondly, we believe we have been called to draw all Christians into the fullest expression of Christ's church in the convergence of sacramental ministry, charismatic power, and evangelistic zeal to most fully portray the face of Christ's Church to the world.
    

3. Finally, The AWOC has a very special heart for those Catholics who for many reasons have felt separated from their Catholic roots and are seeking a valid and authentic way to be Catholic in today's world. We will be a refuge of love and compassion in a lost and hurting world. All are truly welcome in this place!

AW Distinctives

How does The Apostolic Western Orthodox Church differ from other Catholic jurisdictions?
⦁    The Catholics of our community do not accept the teaching of papal infallibility and, therefore, are independent of the pope's jurisdiction. As a result, we are not bound by some of the canons and regulations that are formulated and enforced in the Roman Catholic Church.

⦁    Priests and bishops are permitted to marry.

⦁    Women are encouraged to be more fully involved in the ministry of the Church. As Saint Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Observing historic examples (as we understand) we ordain women to the Diaconate and allow for women to be certified as teachers.

⦁    Divorced people who remarry are able to be reconciled to the church through the grace of God and, therefore, are not excluded from the sacraments. Therefore, a divorced person may remarry with the blessing of the Church.

⦁    Artificial contraception is an issue of conscience between husband, wife, and God, except for the use of abortifacient agents, which are not permitted.

⦁    Each Catholic is an equal part of the Church. Therefore, lay people are encouraged to play a prominent role in the Church.

⦁    No Christian is excluded from the sacramental ministry. All baptized Christians, free of mortal sin are invited to participate in the worship and sacraments of the Church according to their own conscience. 
 

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