The American Catholic Church in the United States

The American Catholic Church in the United States (ACCUS) is part of the larger movement of Independent Catholism: Catholic churches which, though independent of the structures & strictures of Rome, continue to share valid sacraments with God's People. The ACCUS is currently led by Presiding Archbishop William A. Johnson. The ACCUS affirms traditional Catholic beliefs and desires to provide an inclusive, compassionate and proactive community within the context of Independent Catholicism.

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What We Believe

The American Catholic Church in the United States affirms traditional Catholic beliefs of faith and love, spirituality, community and prayer. It celebrates the seven sacraments and adheres to the essential Catholic doctrine and practice, as expressed in the statements of the Second Vatican Council and the best contemporary thought.

The American Catholic Church in the United States proclaims the unconditional love and compassion of God, which embraces all people regardless of their state or condition in life. We acknowledge the primacy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to speak in our day through the "sensus fidelium" ("sense of the faithful") of the Catholic Church, leading to a world of justice and peace.

Inclusive

The American Catholic Church in the United States seeks to reach those who may have felt alienated by their prior church experiences. We believe that who a person is and how a person has chosen to live, does not separate him/her from the love and compassion of God. Because of this, the ACCUS rejects artificial barriers to the reception of the sacraments based on marital status, sexuality or orientation.

Proactive

Believing that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church through the "sense of the faithful", the American Catholic Church in the U.S. sees itself as a process, as well as an institution. We hope to listen to, rather than speak for, the People of God, as they are prompted by the Holy Spirit and seek ways to remake the Church into a credible community of faith for the modern world. The ACCUS is particularly sensitive to the voices of those who, having felt called to Catholic ministry, have barred from ministry in other Catholic churches due to their gender, sexual orientation, or life state. 

Compassionate

The difficult decisions in one's life are always harder to make alone. At such times, the compassionate support of a community of faith can be crucial. Yet, such support can be difficult to find in the face of "legalistic" moral pronouncements regarding such issues as divorce and remarriage, birth control, sexual orientation and complex medical issues.

Morality ought to be our response to the life of the Spirit within each human person, and a loving way of life for the whole community. The ACCUS believes that an informed conscience, molded on Gospel values of truth, justice, compassion and love, should be the ultimate motivating force in a person's life. We teach these values with the individual person in mind and with respect for individual human freedom and dignity. We trust that, if people are living in the Spirit of truth, they will be able to decide what is just and right, both in their own lives and within society.

If these qualities resonate within you, we invite you to consider the American Catholic Church in the United States as your community of faith!