Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene: Independent Liberal Gnostic Catholic
Independent Liberal Catholic & Gnostic Church?: an Introduction
Welcome, Anamchara; Namaste.
| "Anamchara" means "Soul friend". "Namaste" means, "The sacred in me honours the sacred in you". |
There is only one Catholic Church: Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene at Dawn Cove Abbey is part of that church.
However there are many Catholic “denominations (branches, or divisions)" within the one church, of which the Roman Catholic Church
is only one, rather overwhelmingly, the worlds largest. Catholic simply means "universal (found everywhere)".
A denomination is an organization. It is a group of people who gather to worship, pool funds, operate ministries, construct church
buildings, establish non profit corporations, and do all the activities that people normally associate with the word “Church” including
having similar religious or spiritual beliefs and practices.
There are many denominations; protestant, and catholic. What many people are not aware of is that there are branches, or
denominations within the "catholic church".
The word, "Church" comes from the Latin word "ecclesia" which simply means "community". The Church is called "The Body Of
Christ". There is one body: there is one church. We are a limb of that one Christian church, the Mystical Body of Cosmic,
Transfigured and Risen Christ.
We acknowledge the Christ as our founder, living head, and eternal high priest. That oneness or unity is called "universal" - and
that's what the word "catholic" means: universal; meaning it is found everywhere. The body has many parts, called branches,
(denominations), but all are part of that one body.
This is an important fact.
However there are many Catholic “denominations (branches, or divisions)" within the one church, of which the Roman Catholic Church
is only one, rather overwhelmingly, the worlds largest. Catholic simply means "universal (found everywhere)".
A denomination is an organization. It is a group of people who gather to worship, pool funds, operate ministries, construct church
buildings, establish non profit corporations, and do all the activities that people normally associate with the word “Church” including
having similar religious or spiritual beliefs and practices.
There are many denominations; protestant, and catholic. What many people are not aware of is that there are branches, or
denominations within the "catholic church".
The word, "Church" comes from the Latin word "ecclesia" which simply means "community". The Church is called "The Body Of
Christ". There is one body: there is one church. We are a limb of that one Christian church, the Mystical Body of Cosmic,
Transfigured and Risen Christ.
We acknowledge the Christ as our founder, living head, and eternal high priest. That oneness or unity is called "universal" - and
that's what the word "catholic" means: universal; meaning it is found everywhere. The body has many parts, called branches,
(denominations), but all are part of that one body.
This is an important fact.
| The Independent Liberal Catholic Church & Independent Liberal Gnostic Catholicism: |
Catholic denominations in general follow the traditions of sacramental worship and the preaching of the word as established in the early
church before the church was split up into many denominations. The actual theologies, rites, and practices of independent Catholic
churches vary from conservative to liberal. It is important not to confuse matters of faith with matters of church practices and
governance.
One branch, as we have seen, is Roman Catholic, of which the Pope is the head. However, there are many other branches: various
varieties of the "orthodox church" - Greek, Russian, Eastern, Western, and Ukrainian, etc. The Anglican/Episcopalian church worldwide
is another branch (with the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as its "head"). The Independent Catholic Church, and the Liberal Catholic Church
are two such other branches. There are many more. Links to some of these are provided at the bottom of this page.
When the various branches recognize and accept each other, they are said to be "in communion" with each other. Not all branches accept
or recognize other branches or denominations. For example, the Roman Catholic Church does not recognize or accept the protestant
denominations as being "valid". According to Rome then, its definition as to who is, or is not actually, or really, "christian") as the only
one that counts.
church before the church was split up into many denominations. The actual theologies, rites, and practices of independent Catholic
churches vary from conservative to liberal. It is important not to confuse matters of faith with matters of church practices and
governance.
One branch, as we have seen, is Roman Catholic, of which the Pope is the head. However, there are many other branches: various
varieties of the "orthodox church" - Greek, Russian, Eastern, Western, and Ukrainian, etc. The Anglican/Episcopalian church worldwide
is another branch (with the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as its "head"). The Independent Catholic Church, and the Liberal Catholic Church
are two such other branches. There are many more. Links to some of these are provided at the bottom of this page.
When the various branches recognize and accept each other, they are said to be "in communion" with each other. Not all branches accept
or recognize other branches or denominations. For example, the Roman Catholic Church does not recognize or accept the protestant
denominations as being "valid". According to Rome then, its definition as to who is, or is not actually, or really, "christian") as the only
one that counts.
Please note: each independent church or chapel and priest will have their own variations: from "low church” to "high church" and between;
from the traditional to the contemporary inclusive.
But there is a centre or core they all have and hold in common: the sacraments, and apostolic succession. Thus, while not affiliated with the
Roman Catholic jurisdiction, as an Independent Catholic Church, at Saint Mary we still celebrate the same sacraments as Rome.
So what is "independent Catholicism" and "liberal Catholicism"? Read on.
“Independent” & Liberal”?
Independent Catholicism: to be Independent Catholic as we’ve seen, is to be separate from the jurisdiction of the Bishop (administrator) of
Rome. Then again, there is no rule that says everyone should be part of Rome. Independent Catholic Churches are an ecumenical association or
"communion" of men, women, congregations and dioceses of good will within the Holy Catholic Church. It is a way of being and building a
community of ministry, justice, healing, worship and witness.
A famous quote about liberalism: "Liberalism is trust of the people, tempered by prudence; conservatism, distrust of people, tempered by
fear". - Cardinal John Henry Newman (1874).
Independent Catholic Churches acknowledge a common Baptism and a common Eucharist, and what these two greatest sacraments represent:
One God and Creator of us all who is beyond all things, and yet within all things, and through all things, the same. They uphold the freedom of
individuals, while celebrating our oneness in God. They have clergy and lay members that identify themselves only as "Independent Catholic."
Their belief: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, diversity; in all things, charity".
Independent Catholic Churches are radically independent and interdependent: they are free of hierarchy. They are an organization with
mutual cooperation between clergy, congregations and ministries: they are, however, fully Catholic in liturgy and sacrament. Priests and
Bishops are; however, free to choose, with their congregations and dioceses, their own rite. We have clergy and churches that use the Roman
Catholic Novus Ordo, Anglican Book of Common Prayer, Western Orthodox liturgies - and others as appropriate to the congregation its
language and culture.
Independent Liberal congregations call their own pastors and clergy in consultation with their bishops. Bishops offer advice to
congregations, pastoral care and training and episcopal oversight to clergy and serve the collective needs of the churches and larger
community. Most parishes and dioceses, all independent, share worship space with other churches or meet in private homes, rented or
borrowed settings. Few own property.
A consequence of the freedom offered to clergy and congregations is that there is no vocational security. Most of our priests are bi-
vocational and earn most of or all their livelihood from non-parish work. Frequently clergy work as psychotherapists, chaplains, social
workers, teachers, professors, etc. But there are many which follow completely secular careers. Priests are allowed, and encouraged, to be
married.
from the traditional to the contemporary inclusive.
But there is a centre or core they all have and hold in common: the sacraments, and apostolic succession. Thus, while not affiliated with the
Roman Catholic jurisdiction, as an Independent Catholic Church, at Saint Mary we still celebrate the same sacraments as Rome.
So what is "independent Catholicism" and "liberal Catholicism"? Read on.
“Independent” & Liberal”?
Independent Catholicism: to be Independent Catholic as we’ve seen, is to be separate from the jurisdiction of the Bishop (administrator) of
Rome. Then again, there is no rule that says everyone should be part of Rome. Independent Catholic Churches are an ecumenical association or
"communion" of men, women, congregations and dioceses of good will within the Holy Catholic Church. It is a way of being and building a
community of ministry, justice, healing, worship and witness.
A famous quote about liberalism: "Liberalism is trust of the people, tempered by prudence; conservatism, distrust of people, tempered by
fear". - Cardinal John Henry Newman (1874).
Independent Catholic Churches acknowledge a common Baptism and a common Eucharist, and what these two greatest sacraments represent:
One God and Creator of us all who is beyond all things, and yet within all things, and through all things, the same. They uphold the freedom of
individuals, while celebrating our oneness in God. They have clergy and lay members that identify themselves only as "Independent Catholic."
Their belief: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, diversity; in all things, charity".
Independent Catholic Churches are radically independent and interdependent: they are free of hierarchy. They are an organization with
mutual cooperation between clergy, congregations and ministries: they are, however, fully Catholic in liturgy and sacrament. Priests and
Bishops are; however, free to choose, with their congregations and dioceses, their own rite. We have clergy and churches that use the Roman
Catholic Novus Ordo, Anglican Book of Common Prayer, Western Orthodox liturgies - and others as appropriate to the congregation its
language and culture.
Independent Liberal congregations call their own pastors and clergy in consultation with their bishops. Bishops offer advice to
congregations, pastoral care and training and episcopal oversight to clergy and serve the collective needs of the churches and larger
community. Most parishes and dioceses, all independent, share worship space with other churches or meet in private homes, rented or
borrowed settings. Few own property.
A consequence of the freedom offered to clergy and congregations is that there is no vocational security. Most of our priests are bi-
vocational and earn most of or all their livelihood from non-parish work. Frequently clergy work as psychotherapists, chaplains, social
workers, teachers, professors, etc. But there are many which follow completely secular careers. Priests are allowed, and encouraged, to be
married.
Liberal Catholicism
Liberal Catholic churches are progressive, non-dogmatic, mystically-oriented Christian Churches that offer the Holy Eucharist to people of
ALL faiths. The Liberal Catholic Church combines deep mystical experience with intense personal freedom. It keeps stately and traditional
liturgy but has progressive teachings and attitudes.
The Liberal Catholic Church is a Ceremonial Church. It teaches the Christianity of the Christ and administers the Seven Sacraments which
are regarded as channels of His blessing. It is a church wherein there is intellectual and religious freedom and a natural balance between
ceremonial worship, devotional aspiration, scientific and mystical thought. It uses a revised Liturgy in the language of the country, a Liturgy
devised to sound a note of joyous and uplifting aspiration.
The Liberal Catholic Church welcomes all and everyone to its services: those who have faith and those who have lost faith; those who believe
in the literal exposition of the scriptures and those who accept the allegorical spiritual interpretation. Above all, it wishes to serve those
who are earnestly seeking spiritual enlightenment.
They are fully and authentically Catholic and maintain the same tradition of Apostolic Succession as the Roman Catholic Church: regardless
of what we as individuals, and our congregations believe, we must remember a simple truth. Jesus was not a theologian and Christianity is not
about theology, doctrine or dogma. Those are merely tools, and imperfect ones at that. And those tools need to be continually refined and
renewed for every new generation and for every culture.
To be a Christian is necessary only to trust the message that Jesus Christ has brought us. That God has created us with the ability to have
a vision of ourselves transformed and of a transformed and perfect world. To know that we can change, forgive and be forgiven, and that we
can truly love each other.
These things are truly possible and the way to achieve them is stunningly simple. Jesus told us how. His message is summarized in one
scripture passage:
The consequence of living up to this simple challenge would be the realization of all the “would you likes” above and much more. That’s all it
will take and it is the only theology that any Christian needs.
We believe that Independent Catholic Churches models the beginnings of a new Catholic church, a new Christian church, for the new
millennium. One that is committed, not to theology and doctrine, but to be a witness, empowered by God, to the essential Gospel message:
Liberal Catholic churches are progressive, non-dogmatic, mystically-oriented Christian Churches that offer the Holy Eucharist to people of
ALL faiths. The Liberal Catholic Church combines deep mystical experience with intense personal freedom. It keeps stately and traditional
liturgy but has progressive teachings and attitudes.
The Liberal Catholic Church is a Ceremonial Church. It teaches the Christianity of the Christ and administers the Seven Sacraments which
are regarded as channels of His blessing. It is a church wherein there is intellectual and religious freedom and a natural balance between
ceremonial worship, devotional aspiration, scientific and mystical thought. It uses a revised Liturgy in the language of the country, a Liturgy
devised to sound a note of joyous and uplifting aspiration.
The Liberal Catholic Church welcomes all and everyone to its services: those who have faith and those who have lost faith; those who believe
in the literal exposition of the scriptures and those who accept the allegorical spiritual interpretation. Above all, it wishes to serve those
who are earnestly seeking spiritual enlightenment.
They are fully and authentically Catholic and maintain the same tradition of Apostolic Succession as the Roman Catholic Church: regardless
of what we as individuals, and our congregations believe, we must remember a simple truth. Jesus was not a theologian and Christianity is not
about theology, doctrine or dogma. Those are merely tools, and imperfect ones at that. And those tools need to be continually refined and
renewed for every new generation and for every culture.
To be a Christian is necessary only to trust the message that Jesus Christ has brought us. That God has created us with the ability to have
a vision of ourselves transformed and of a transformed and perfect world. To know that we can change, forgive and be forgiven, and that we
can truly love each other.
These things are truly possible and the way to achieve them is stunningly simple. Jesus told us how. His message is summarized in one
scripture passage:
- “'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost
commandment. - The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."
(Matthew 22:34-40)
The consequence of living up to this simple challenge would be the realization of all the “would you likes” above and much more. That’s all it
will take and it is the only theology that any Christian needs.
We believe that Independent Catholic Churches models the beginnings of a new Catholic church, a new Christian church, for the new
millennium. One that is committed, not to theology and doctrine, but to be a witness, empowered by God, to the essential Gospel message:
- "Jesus came and said to us, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (John 28: 18-20)
WHAT IS A GNOSTIC CHRISTIAN?
Gnostic Christianity is a Way of Life based on the original teachings of Jesus Christ. A gnostic is a person who believes that salvation is
gained through the acquisition of gnosis (divine knowledge).
Gnostic Christians believe that the knowledge necessary for salvation has been revealed through Jesus Christ. Gnostics recognize that this
world is subject to powers of darkness that distort our concept of reality. As Jesus explained, "The shadows of this world are perceived by
mortals, and they think they know the Truth, but the Reality which casts the shadows is hidden from them, and they do not perceive the
Light." ~Saying of Jesus 2.2
Gnostic and Gnosticism come from the word “gnosis” which mean "to know". Gnosticism was a philosophical system built on Greek philosophy.
It added a Christian flavor when Christ impacted the world. Promoters of this ancient view were Simon Magus, Marcion, Saturninus,
Cerinthus and Basilides. The Gnostics are traced to Carpocrates, and were supported by Valentius, Theodotus, and Artemas.
Gnosticism was built on Greek philosophy that taught matter was evil and the Spirit was good. They taught docetism, a dualism which
promoted a clear separation between the material and spiritual world. Christian Gnostics said since matter was evil, God could not really
incarnate in a human body, He only appeared in human form and only appeared to suffer, it was an illusion. It was stated when Jesus walked
on the sand you could know by seeing his footprints that were left. In this Jesus could be a pure spiritual being in an evil world and not be
contaminated by it.
The Gnostics supposedly had knowledge of God that was exclusive. They considered themselves superior to the average Christian. The
Gnostics prior to Christianity taught that man is composed of body, soul, and spirit. The body and the soul are man's earthly existence, and
were considered evil. Enclosed in mans soul, is the spirit, a divine substance of man. This “spirit” was asleep and ignorant and needed to be
awakened. It could only be liberated by this special knowledge, that would be called by the modern term illumination. (This teaching is also
found in Caballa.)
Writers of the New Testament (the apostles) condemned the Gnostic teachings. There are numerous epistles that address this ancient
heresy that is now having a revival. Paul emphasized a wisdom and knowledge that comes from God and does not concern itself with idle
speculations, angelic visitations, fables, and a amoral lifestyle (Col. 2:8-23; 1 Tim. 1:4; 2 Tim. 2:16-19; Titus 1:10-16). Paul addresses the
Gnostic influences in portions of Colossians as a direct threat to Christ being our salvation and His being sufficient in all things. To
overcome the indulgences of the flesh (the “Colossian Heresy” ) the Gnostics taught a false philosophy, which denied the all-sufficiency and
pre-eminence of Jesus Christ (Col. 2:8). When he wrote that “in him dwells All the fullness of the deity bodily” it was a rebuttal against the
Gnostics.
This was mainly because Gnostics rejected the idea of priests and bishops as intermediaries between people and the Creator. Their focus was
on obtaining “direct knowledge”. The liturgy at Saint Mary Magdalene provides ample opportunity to create an inner state of mind for
achieving that.
Dawn Cove Abbey’s chapel, Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene is part of one catholic branch of the christian body called the church. It accepts,
and practices a blend of the independent catholic and liberal catholic churches.
If you are interested in joining with our committed, passionate and rapidly growing progressive Catholic community of faith and ministry
please contact us and let’s create the future together.
Gnostic Christianity is a Way of Life based on the original teachings of Jesus Christ. A gnostic is a person who believes that salvation is
gained through the acquisition of gnosis (divine knowledge).
Gnostic Christians believe that the knowledge necessary for salvation has been revealed through Jesus Christ. Gnostics recognize that this
world is subject to powers of darkness that distort our concept of reality. As Jesus explained, "The shadows of this world are perceived by
mortals, and they think they know the Truth, but the Reality which casts the shadows is hidden from them, and they do not perceive the
Light." ~Saying of Jesus 2.2
Gnostic and Gnosticism come from the word “gnosis” which mean "to know". Gnosticism was a philosophical system built on Greek philosophy.
It added a Christian flavor when Christ impacted the world. Promoters of this ancient view were Simon Magus, Marcion, Saturninus,
Cerinthus and Basilides. The Gnostics are traced to Carpocrates, and were supported by Valentius, Theodotus, and Artemas.
Gnosticism was built on Greek philosophy that taught matter was evil and the Spirit was good. They taught docetism, a dualism which
promoted a clear separation between the material and spiritual world. Christian Gnostics said since matter was evil, God could not really
incarnate in a human body, He only appeared in human form and only appeared to suffer, it was an illusion. It was stated when Jesus walked
on the sand you could know by seeing his footprints that were left. In this Jesus could be a pure spiritual being in an evil world and not be
contaminated by it.
The Gnostics supposedly had knowledge of God that was exclusive. They considered themselves superior to the average Christian. The
Gnostics prior to Christianity taught that man is composed of body, soul, and spirit. The body and the soul are man's earthly existence, and
were considered evil. Enclosed in mans soul, is the spirit, a divine substance of man. This “spirit” was asleep and ignorant and needed to be
awakened. It could only be liberated by this special knowledge, that would be called by the modern term illumination. (This teaching is also
found in Caballa.)
Writers of the New Testament (the apostles) condemned the Gnostic teachings. There are numerous epistles that address this ancient
heresy that is now having a revival. Paul emphasized a wisdom and knowledge that comes from God and does not concern itself with idle
speculations, angelic visitations, fables, and a amoral lifestyle (Col. 2:8-23; 1 Tim. 1:4; 2 Tim. 2:16-19; Titus 1:10-16). Paul addresses the
Gnostic influences in portions of Colossians as a direct threat to Christ being our salvation and His being sufficient in all things. To
overcome the indulgences of the flesh (the “Colossian Heresy” ) the Gnostics taught a false philosophy, which denied the all-sufficiency and
pre-eminence of Jesus Christ (Col. 2:8). When he wrote that “in him dwells All the fullness of the deity bodily” it was a rebuttal against the
Gnostics.
This was mainly because Gnostics rejected the idea of priests and bishops as intermediaries between people and the Creator. Their focus was
on obtaining “direct knowledge”. The liturgy at Saint Mary Magdalene provides ample opportunity to create an inner state of mind for
achieving that.
Dawn Cove Abbey’s chapel, Our Lady Saint Mary Magdalene is part of one catholic branch of the christian body called the church. It accepts,
and practices a blend of the independent catholic and liberal catholic churches.
If you are interested in joining with our committed, passionate and rapidly growing progressive Catholic community of faith and ministry
please contact us and let’s create the future together.
LINKS
Eastern Orthodox: http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/
Coptic: http://www.coptic.net/CopticWeb/
The Liberal Catholic Church: http://kingsgarden.org/English/Organizations/LCC.GB/LCC.html
Liberal Cath Ch -International: http://www.liberalcatholic.org/
General Info - excellent source: http://www.concentric.net/~Cosmas/indcathjuris.htm
ANGLICAN/Episcopalian
Church of England: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/
Anglicans/Episcopalians Online: http://anglicansonline.org/
Anglican Church of Canada: http://www.anglican.ca/index.htm
Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia-PEI: http://www.nspeidiocese.ca/
GNOSTIC
Ecclesia Gnostica: http://www.gnosis.org/eghome.htm
INDEPENDENT:
Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch - Malabar Rite: http://www.churchofantioch.org
Fr. Klaas is licensed by it's Archbishop
OLD CATHOLIC
USA: http://www.oldcatholic.com/
USA: http://www.oldcatholic.org/
Heartland Old Catholic Church: http://www.heartlandoldcatholic.org/history_ch3.htm
Reformed Catholic (Old) Church: http://www.reformedcatholicchurch.org/old_catholic_church.htm
Denominations - Links (many): http://netministries.org/denomlst.htm
Eastern Orthodox: http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/
Coptic: http://www.coptic.net/CopticWeb/
The Liberal Catholic Church: http://kingsgarden.org/English/Organizations/LCC.GB/LCC.html
Liberal Cath Ch -International: http://www.liberalcatholic.org/
General Info - excellent source: http://www.concentric.net/~Cosmas/indcathjuris.htm
ANGLICAN/Episcopalian
Church of England: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/
Anglicans/Episcopalians Online: http://anglicansonline.org/
Anglican Church of Canada: http://www.anglican.ca/index.htm
Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia-PEI: http://www.nspeidiocese.ca/
GNOSTIC
Ecclesia Gnostica: http://www.gnosis.org/eghome.htm
INDEPENDENT:
Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch - Malabar Rite: http://www.churchofantioch.org
Fr. Klaas is licensed by it's Archbishop
OLD CATHOLIC
USA: http://www.oldcatholic.com/
USA: http://www.oldcatholic.org/
Heartland Old Catholic Church: http://www.heartlandoldcatholic.org/history_ch3.htm
Reformed Catholic (Old) Church: http://www.reformedcatholicchurch.org/old_catholic_church.htm
Denominations - Links (many): http://netministries.org/denomlst.htm
Fr. Klaas Tuinman MA
Yormouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada - Jan 2008
Yormouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada - Jan 2008
Vrede
May The Force be with you.
May The Force be with you.
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