Orange County Church to Host Free Seminar about Independent Catholic Growth in Southern California.

News Editors/Calendar Editors

ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004

Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church is hosting a free seminar to discuss the growth of the national independent Catholic movement. Led by Bishop Peter Hickman, the seminar will be held Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Matthew Church in Orange, located near the Main Place Mall. A lunch will be provided.

Two additional local faith communities -- Holy Trinity of Lakewood and Saints Andrew and Paul of Glendale -- will co-host the seminar. The event will also include participation from other local priests planning to build additional independent Catholic communities in the Los Angeles/Orange County area by the end of the year.

Bishop Hickman travels throughout the country responding to independent Catholic communities and individuals who have expressed interest in joining the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC), a new national ecclesial body in which Hickman was elected presiding bishop last September.

"The independent Catholic movement is a source of healing where people who are disenfranchised from traditional church life will find a new opportunity to realize that the gospel is really present for them," Bishop Hickman explained. "These independent communities serve as an alternative for Catholics who feel they are no longer welcome to participate in the Roman Catholic Church."

The faith communities of the ECC practice such reforms as the ordination of women and optional celibacy. Presently, there are six faith communities who have officially applied for membership in the ECC, as well as numerous Roman Catholic priests that have inquired about joining.

A video presentation will be shown about the independent Catholic movement and the ECC. Immediately following, Bishop Hickman will be available for questions on a panel of both lay and ordained representatives of the various local communities. The seminar is open to the public and although not necessary, seats can be reserved by contacting the ECC, 714-647-1774.

Note to Editors: Additional information and photos available upon request.

About the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC)

The ECC was formed as a national ecclesial body when delegates from 13 independent catholic communities from across the United States gathered and ratified a constitutional document in September 2003. The ECC constitution provides a model of governance with shared decision-making authority by both a House of Laity and a House of Pastors, and an Episcopal Council providing spiritual and apostolic leadership. Also passed was the establishment of the Office of the Presiding Bishop, to which Bishop Hickman was elected. A lay woman, Allison Sansone, was appointed Chancellor of the newly formed ECC.

The ECC traces its Catholic heritage through the Old Catholic faith tradition of 18th century Europe, when a group of Catholics in The Netherlands left the Roman Church over the issue of papal infallibility. Old Catholics have maintained the earlier practice of local authority, within the context of Catholic historical, liturgical, and sacramental traditions. To learn more visit us at www.catholiccommunion.org.