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The American Catholic Church in the United States (ACCUS) is a small Independent Catholic denomination originating from the Old Catholic Christian denomination. The ACCUS holds similar theological beliefs and practices to the Roman Catholic Church. However, like Orthodox churches, it is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church or under Papal jurisdiction.

The American Catholic Church in the United States shares some theological and moral teachings^[which?] with the Roman Catholic Church, however there are major differences^[which?]. The ACCUS is a post-Vatican II Church which teaches that nonjudgementalism takes precedence in regard to more difficult questions^{[clarification needed]}. The ACCUS purports to reject what it deems "legalistic moral pronouncements" regarding such issues^[which?], holding that one's faith in Jesus Christ along with an informed and enlightened conscience, molded on the Gospel principles of truth, justice, compassion and love, should be the ultimate motivating force in one's life^{[clarification needed]}.

The ACCUS does not require its priests, deacons, bishops or other clergy and/or religious members to be celibate. Members of the clergy may be married, in a domestic partnership, divorced, or widowed. The ACCUS also allows for the ordination of women. It also does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status, or previous religious affiliations.

All members of the clergy are required to support themselves through outside employment; clergy are prohibited from receiving a fee for the sacramental services they perform, however, they are allowed to receive gifts and monetary offerings (stipends) so long as they are not the ones suggesting the amount to be given^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] History

This section requires expansion with: when the ACCUS was created, how it was created (including the schism from the ACC and Free Catholics), by whom (and then give verifiable details of who the individual is), where, etc..

This church belongs to the family of the Old Catholic churches, from which it derives its claim to apostolic succession. It is in communion with some Old Catholic and Anglican/Episcopalian Churches.^{[citation needed]}

Founded by The Most Reverend Lawrence J. Harms, D.D. on May 23, 1999^[1], the National and International church is based in Frederick, Maryland. Harms currently leads the church as the Presiding Archbishop. The American Catholic Church in the United States is listed as 501(c)(3) Under the name American Catholic Church, Frederick, MD.^[2]

[edit] Leadership

The Presiding Archbishop is currently: Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms, Hon. D.D. The new Auxiliary Bishop will be: Bishop Elect William A. Johnson, VF^[3]

[edit] Theology and practices

This section requires expansion.

The ACCUS celebrates the seven sacraments of: Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Last Rites.

[edit] References

1. ^ The ACCUS Website is currently the only source for this information
2. ^ Internal Revenue Service
3. ^ http://www.accus.us/bpelewaj_E.htm

[edit] External links

• Homepage of the ACCUS
• The Roman Catholic Church Stating the Validity of the Holy Orders In Their Documents