WHO ARE WE?
The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) is a vibrant Christian community deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Celtic Christianity, with a strong spirit of nonconformity. As an independent and self-governing Celtic Christian Church, the AFCC is part of a global network of independent Celtic Christian Churches. We embrace a unique and inclusive spirituality that draws inspiration from our historical Celtic heritage while upholding the core principles of an Independent Catholic Church.
EMBRACING NONCONFORMIST CELTIC TRADITIONS
The ancient Celtic people were known for their strong connection to the natural world, their profound sense of community, and their unique spiritual beliefs. We, like the Celts of old, embody a spirit of nonconformity, seeking a faith that is deeply rooted in these ancient Celtic traditions. We do not simply follow the crowd; we forge our own path while respecting the wisdom of the past.
EMBRACING INDEPENDENT CELTIC CHRISTIANITY
In the earliest days of Christianity, local churches operated independently, with no centralized governing body. These autonomous communities were nurtured and guided by leaders who fulfilled roles akin to today's Bishops and Deacons. The distinction between the roles of Priests and Bishops only became more pronounced during the mid-second century as the Church expanded from urban centers to rural areas.
The AFCC draws from this ancient tradition of independence, embodying the spirit of early Christian communities. We celebrate our autonomy as a means to foster a more direct and personal connection with our faith, echoing the independent ethos of those early Christians.
A HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Beginning in the second century, with the spread of Christianity into the rural areas outside of the cities, and particularly after the devolution of the presbyter (i.e., priest) from the Order of Bishop, local churches began to be grouped together to permit better organization and supervision of orthodoxy. Parishes began to be led by priests. Bishops became heads of regions called dioceses, and bishops of cities were called Metropolitans. An Archbishop supervised but did not rule over or govern the nearby rural diocese. Diocesan Bishops were completely autonomous in their own diocese as long as they remained true to the Faith.
All these were organized under the leadership of a principal bishop called a Patriarch, who headed the most important diocese in the world. In ancient times, the Patriarchs were the Bishops of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. Each was equal in rank, prestige, and authority, though particular honor was given to the Patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople as their Sees were the seats of Imperial Roman Government. Today, the Patriarch of Rome, also known as the Patriarch of the West, is called the Pope. The Patriarch of Constantinople, called the Ecumenical Patriarch, is the leader of all Eastern Orthodox Churches, a title of honor, not of governance, except within his own Greek Orthodox Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, continue to follow the model of the Patriarch leader as a "first among equals" today. Local Bishops and Metropolitans have autonomy and are answerable to their "Synod of Bishops" rather than to the Patriarch in matters of orthodoxy and discipline. While they employ a liturgy that is very different from that used in the West, they are nonetheless Catholic and of ancient and Apostolic origin.
Western Independent Catholic Churches, including the Old Catholic Church and the Apostolic Free Celtic Church have maintained a Catholic identity and Apostolic Succession, upholding sacramental and liturgical worship while following the traditions of the historic Church.
IS AFCC's PLACE?
Like the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the AFCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." Autocephalous literally means "having its own head" and is best defined as "self-governing." The Church is one because it is one with its founder, Jesus Christ, and, in His Mystical Body, is one with all believers. The Church is holy because Christ is Holy and sanctifies the Church by His continuing Presence in the Sacraments and His Word. The Church is catholic both because, as a member of Christ's mystical body, it is universal, and because it consciously links itself to the traditions and practices of the historic Church. The Church is Apostolic because it is linked to the faith, teachings, and authority of the Apostles, both Sacramentally and historically, through the Apostolic Succession of the Bishops and Clergy.
The AFCC's foundations can be traced to the United States, where Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of several different Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined together in common unity to re-form the AFCC. The AFCC itself was founded in 2004 AD by Bishop Llewellyn Macrae under the name of the Independent Celtic Church, our Presiding Bishop, and is governed by a Council of Bishops. The Church is led by the Presiding Bishop, assisted by the Chancellor Bishop, who act as the administrative heads of the Church. The local Diocese is headed by a Diocesan Bishop who enjoys legislative and judicial autonomy within and for his own Diocese. Saint Brendan's School of Celtic Studies is overseen by a Bishop Dean of Celtic Christian Studies. Though its roots are North American and Celtic, the AFCC today is a thoroughly American Celtic Christian Church that seeks to integrate the uniquely American cultural experience with the ancient traditions of the Celtic Christian Faith.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
Refer to the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist (i.e., the Holy Mass), is celebrated in Rites generated within the AFCC depending on the needs and desires of the local community, and with approval by the Diocesan Bishop. Our current proprietary Liturgy is the Rite of the Celtic Church, adapted for the AFCC by its Bishops.
INFALLIBILITY
The AFCC believes that Christ calls each of us, as a free gift of Grace, to be equal members of His Mystical Body. No individual, regardless of position in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), receives an infallible personal insight into the Mind of God by virtue of their call or position in the Church. Rather, the Holy Spirit inspires each person, lay, religious, and clergy, with gifts for the building of God's Kingdom, according to the Spirit's Plan for God's People. The clergy are ordained as leaders and teachers of the Gospel, not as princes or infallible arbiters of theological opinion. It is the duty of each person, under the teaching guidance of the Church, to inform themselves through prayer and study and arrive at an understanding of the Truth revealed to our world by Jesus Christ and to apply their individual gifts to the building of God's Kingdom.
Christ committed to His Apostles a ministry of teaching, which they, in turn, passed to their successors, the Bishops. It is, therefore, the Sacramental Charism of the Bishops of the Church, acting in a moral consensus, to define the beliefs of the Church and to regulate Sacraments, which are to be accepted as defined matters of the Faith and inerrant Truth. Theological postulates, however, require a moral consensus of all bishops and must also be received as inerrant Truth by the People of God. Thus, they cannot be imposed on the People of God by the actions of any single person, regardless of their office or stature in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). The AFCC, therefore, completely rejects the imposed dogma of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome, as well as claims by the incumbents of that office, holy men though they may be, to supremacy over other bishops.WHO ARE WE?
The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) represents a vibrant Christian community deeply anchored in the rich traditions of Celtic Christianity, characterized by a strong spirit of nonconformity. As an independent and self-governing Celtic Christian Church, the AFCC is part of a global network of independent Celtic Christian Churches. We embody a unique and inclusive spirituality that draws inspiration from our historical Celtic heritage while upholding the core principles of an Independent Catholic Church.
EMBRACING NONCONFORMIST CELTIC TRADITIONS
The ancient Celtic people were recognized for their deep connection to the natural world, their profound sense of community, and their distinctive spiritual beliefs. Like the Celts of old, we embody a spirit of nonconformity, seeking a faith deeply rooted in these ancient Celtic traditions. We forge our own path while respecting the wisdom of the past.
EMBRACING INDEPENDENT CELTIC CHRISTIANITY
In the early days of Christianity, local churches operated independently, guided by leaders who fulfilled roles akin to today's Bishops and Deacons. The AFCC draws from this ancient tradition of independence, celebrating our autonomy to foster a direct and personal connection with our faith, echoing the independent ethos of early Christians.
A HISTORICAL CONTEXT
From the second century onward, Christianity spread beyond urban centers, leading to the organization of local churches and the emergence of bishops overseeing regions. The AFCC embraces the model of independent Catholic Churches, maintaining sacramental and liturgical worship while following the traditions of the historic Church.
IS AFCC's PLACE?
Like the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the AFCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." We are self-governing and trace our foundations to the United States, where various Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined to re-form the AFCC. Founded in 2004 by Bishop Llewellyn Macrae, the AFCC is led by a Council of Bishops and celebrates its American Celtic Christian identity.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
We adhere to the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, is celebrated in Rites generated within the AFCC, adapted for the needs of local communities.
INFALLIBILITY
In the AFCC, no individual, including the Bishop of Rome, receives infallible personal insight into the Mind of God. Instead, each person is inspired by the Holy Spirit to contribute to God's Kingdom. The Sacramental Charism of the Bishops defines beliefs and regulates Sacraments, requiring a moral consensus of all bishops and acceptance by the People of God. The AFCC rejects claims of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome and upholds the shared authority of bishops.
Celtic Christianity: A Spiritual Journey
Celtic Christianity, a unique expression of the Christian faith, emerged in the British Isles during the early Middle Ages. It was deeply influenced by the indigenous Celtic culture, blending elements of nature worship, mysticism, and Christian spirituality. The Celts had a profound reverence for the natural world, seeing it as a manifestation of the divine presence. They believed that God could be encountered in the beauty of creation, in the whisper of the wind, and in the gentle flow of rivers.
One of the distinctive features of Celtic Christianity was its emphasis on monasticism and asceticism. Monasteries, such as those founded by St. Columba and St. Aidan, served as centers of learning, spirituality, and missionary activity. Monks and nuns dedicated their lives to prayer, meditation, and service to others, embodying the values of simplicity, humility, and hospitality.
The Celtic Christians had a deep sense of the sacredness of time and space. They celebrated the cycles of nature and the changing seasons, seeing in them the rhythm of God's providence. They also sanctified ordinary places, such as wells, crossroads, and hilltops, believing that God's presence could be encountered anywhere.
The Celtic Christians were renowned for their love of storytelling and poetry. They used these forms of expression to convey the truths of the Christian faith in a way that resonated deeply with the hearts and imaginations of the people. The stories of saints and miracles, the songs of praise and lament, all found their place in the rich tapestry of Celtic spirituality.
In their encounter with the pagan traditions of the Celts, the early Christian missionaries adopted a strategy of inculturation, seeking to find common ground with the indigenous beliefs and practices. They integrated elements of Celtic mythology and folklore into their Christian message, transforming them into vehicles of divine revelation.
Despite its distinctiveness, Celtic Christianity was deeply rooted in the wider tradition of the universal Church. It affirmed the authority of the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the apostolic succession, while also embracing a more decentralized and flexible form of ecclesial organization.
The legacy of Celtic Christianity continues to inspire and enrich the spiritual lives of countless people today. Its emphasis on the immanence of God, the interconnectedness of all things, and the sanctity of creation resonates deeply with the contemporary longing for a more holistic and integrated spirituality.
In the AFCC, we seek to embody the spirit of Celtic Christianity, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage and timeless wisdom. We strive to cultivate a spirituality that is deeply rooted in the natural world, that honors the sacredness of all life, and that fosters a sense of connection and communion with God and one another.
As we journey together in faith, may we be guided by the spirit of the Celtic saints and mystics, who walked the ancient paths with courage, humility, and grace. May their witness inspire us to seek God's presence in the ordinary moments of life, to cherish the beauty of creation, and to embrace the mystery of God's love that surrounds us always.
The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) is a vibrant Christian community deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Celtic Christianity, with a strong spirit of nonconformity. As an independent and self-governing Celtic Christian Church, the AFCC is part of a global network of independent Celtic Christian Churches. We embrace a unique and inclusive spirituality that draws inspiration from our historical Celtic heritage while upholding the core principles of an Independent Catholic Church.
EMBRACING NONCONFORMIST CELTIC TRADITIONS
The ancient Celtic people were known for their strong connection to the natural world, their profound sense of community, and their unique spiritual beliefs. We, like the Celts of old, embody a spirit of nonconformity, seeking a faith that is deeply rooted in these ancient Celtic traditions. We do not simply follow the crowd; we forge our own path while respecting the wisdom of the past.
EMBRACING INDEPENDENT CELTIC CHRISTIANITY
In the earliest days of Christianity, local churches operated independently, with no centralized governing body. These autonomous communities were nurtured and guided by leaders who fulfilled roles akin to today's Bishops and Deacons. The distinction between the roles of Priests and Bishops only became more pronounced during the mid-second century as the Church expanded from urban centers to rural areas.
The AFCC draws from this ancient tradition of independence, embodying the spirit of early Christian communities. We celebrate our autonomy as a means to foster a more direct and personal connection with our faith, echoing the independent ethos of those early Christians.
A HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Beginning in the second century, with the spread of Christianity into the rural areas outside of the cities, and particularly after the devolution of the presbyter (i.e., priest) from the Order of Bishop, local churches began to be grouped together to permit better organization and supervision of orthodoxy. Parishes began to be led by priests. Bishops became heads of regions called dioceses, and bishops of cities were called Metropolitans. An Archbishop supervised but did not rule over or govern the nearby rural diocese. Diocesan Bishops were completely autonomous in their own diocese as long as they remained true to the Faith.
All these were organized under the leadership of a principal bishop called a Patriarch, who headed the most important diocese in the world. In ancient times, the Patriarchs were the Bishops of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. Each was equal in rank, prestige, and authority, though particular honor was given to the Patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople as their Sees were the seats of Imperial Roman Government. Today, the Patriarch of Rome, also known as the Patriarch of the West, is called the Pope. The Patriarch of Constantinople, called the Ecumenical Patriarch, is the leader of all Eastern Orthodox Churches, a title of honor, not of governance, except within his own Greek Orthodox Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, continue to follow the model of the Patriarch leader as a "first among equals" today. Local Bishops and Metropolitans have autonomy and are answerable to their "Synod of Bishops" rather than to the Patriarch in matters of orthodoxy and discipline. While they employ a liturgy that is very different from that used in the West, they are nonetheless Catholic and of ancient and Apostolic origin.
Western Independent Catholic Churches, including the Old Catholic Church and the Apostolic Free Celtic Church have maintained a Catholic identity and Apostolic Succession, upholding sacramental and liturgical worship while following the traditions of the historic Church.
IS AFCC's PLACE?
Like the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the AFCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." Autocephalous literally means "having its own head" and is best defined as "self-governing." The Church is one because it is one with its founder, Jesus Christ, and, in His Mystical Body, is one with all believers. The Church is holy because Christ is Holy and sanctifies the Church by His continuing Presence in the Sacraments and His Word. The Church is catholic both because, as a member of Christ's mystical body, it is universal, and because it consciously links itself to the traditions and practices of the historic Church. The Church is Apostolic because it is linked to the faith, teachings, and authority of the Apostles, both Sacramentally and historically, through the Apostolic Succession of the Bishops and Clergy.
The AFCC's foundations can be traced to the United States, where Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of several different Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined together in common unity to re-form the AFCC. The AFCC itself was founded in 2004 AD by Bishop Llewellyn Macrae under the name of the Independent Celtic Church, our Presiding Bishop, and is governed by a Council of Bishops. The Church is led by the Presiding Bishop, assisted by the Chancellor Bishop, who act as the administrative heads of the Church. The local Diocese is headed by a Diocesan Bishop who enjoys legislative and judicial autonomy within and for his own Diocese. Saint Brendan's School of Celtic Studies is overseen by a Bishop Dean of Celtic Christian Studies. Though its roots are North American and Celtic, the AFCC today is a thoroughly American Celtic Christian Church that seeks to integrate the uniquely American cultural experience with the ancient traditions of the Celtic Christian Faith.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
Refer to the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist (i.e., the Holy Mass), is celebrated in Rites generated within the AFCC depending on the needs and desires of the local community, and with approval by the Diocesan Bishop. Our current proprietary Liturgy is the Rite of the Celtic Church, adapted for the AFCC by its Bishops.
INFALLIBILITY
The AFCC believes that Christ calls each of us, as a free gift of Grace, to be equal members of His Mystical Body. No individual, regardless of position in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), receives an infallible personal insight into the Mind of God by virtue of their call or position in the Church. Rather, the Holy Spirit inspires each person, lay, religious, and clergy, with gifts for the building of God's Kingdom, according to the Spirit's Plan for God's People. The clergy are ordained as leaders and teachers of the Gospel, not as princes or infallible arbiters of theological opinion. It is the duty of each person, under the teaching guidance of the Church, to inform themselves through prayer and study and arrive at an understanding of the Truth revealed to our world by Jesus Christ and to apply their individual gifts to the building of God's Kingdom.
Christ committed to His Apostles a ministry of teaching, which they, in turn, passed to their successors, the Bishops. It is, therefore, the Sacramental Charism of the Bishops of the Church, acting in a moral consensus, to define the beliefs of the Church and to regulate Sacraments, which are to be accepted as defined matters of the Faith and inerrant Truth. Theological postulates, however, require a moral consensus of all bishops and must also be received as inerrant Truth by the People of God. Thus, they cannot be imposed on the People of God by the actions of any single person, regardless of their office or stature in the Church, including the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). The AFCC, therefore, completely rejects the imposed dogma of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome, as well as claims by the incumbents of that office, holy men though they may be, to supremacy over other bishops.WHO ARE WE?
The Apostolic Free Celtic Church (AFCC) represents a vibrant Christian community deeply anchored in the rich traditions of Celtic Christianity, characterized by a strong spirit of nonconformity. As an independent and self-governing Celtic Christian Church, the AFCC is part of a global network of independent Celtic Christian Churches. We embody a unique and inclusive spirituality that draws inspiration from our historical Celtic heritage while upholding the core principles of an Independent Catholic Church.
EMBRACING NONCONFORMIST CELTIC TRADITIONS
The ancient Celtic people were recognized for their deep connection to the natural world, their profound sense of community, and their distinctive spiritual beliefs. Like the Celts of old, we embody a spirit of nonconformity, seeking a faith deeply rooted in these ancient Celtic traditions. We forge our own path while respecting the wisdom of the past.
EMBRACING INDEPENDENT CELTIC CHRISTIANITY
In the early days of Christianity, local churches operated independently, guided by leaders who fulfilled roles akin to today's Bishops and Deacons. The AFCC draws from this ancient tradition of independence, celebrating our autonomy to foster a direct and personal connection with our faith, echoing the independent ethos of early Christians.
A HISTORICAL CONTEXT
From the second century onward, Christianity spread beyond urban centers, leading to the organization of local churches and the emergence of bishops overseeing regions. The AFCC embraces the model of independent Catholic Churches, maintaining sacramental and liturgical worship while following the traditions of the historic Church.
IS AFCC's PLACE?
Like the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, the AFCC is an independent, or autocephalous part of the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." We are self-governing and trace our foundations to the United States, where various Celtic and non-denominational faiths joined to re-form the AFCC. Founded in 2004 by Bishop Llewellyn Macrae, the AFCC is led by a Council of Bishops and celebrates its American Celtic Christian identity.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
We adhere to the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed.
LITURGY
Liturgical worship, especially the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, is celebrated in Rites generated within the AFCC, adapted for the needs of local communities.
INFALLIBILITY
In the AFCC, no individual, including the Bishop of Rome, receives infallible personal insight into the Mind of God. Instead, each person is inspired by the Holy Spirit to contribute to God's Kingdom. The Sacramental Charism of the Bishops defines beliefs and regulates Sacraments, requiring a moral consensus of all bishops and acceptance by the People of God. The AFCC rejects claims of infallibility for the Bishop of Rome and upholds the shared authority of bishops.
Celtic Christianity: A Spiritual Journey
Celtic Christianity, a unique expression of the Christian faith, emerged in the British Isles during the early Middle Ages. It was deeply influenced by the indigenous Celtic culture, blending elements of nature worship, mysticism, and Christian spirituality. The Celts had a profound reverence for the natural world, seeing it as a manifestation of the divine presence. They believed that God could be encountered in the beauty of creation, in the whisper of the wind, and in the gentle flow of rivers.
One of the distinctive features of Celtic Christianity was its emphasis on monasticism and asceticism. Monasteries, such as those founded by St. Columba and St. Aidan, served as centers of learning, spirituality, and missionary activity. Monks and nuns dedicated their lives to prayer, meditation, and service to others, embodying the values of simplicity, humility, and hospitality.
The Celtic Christians had a deep sense of the sacredness of time and space. They celebrated the cycles of nature and the changing seasons, seeing in them the rhythm of God's providence. They also sanctified ordinary places, such as wells, crossroads, and hilltops, believing that God's presence could be encountered anywhere.
The Celtic Christians were renowned for their love of storytelling and poetry. They used these forms of expression to convey the truths of the Christian faith in a way that resonated deeply with the hearts and imaginations of the people. The stories of saints and miracles, the songs of praise and lament, all found their place in the rich tapestry of Celtic spirituality.
In their encounter with the pagan traditions of the Celts, the early Christian missionaries adopted a strategy of inculturation, seeking to find common ground with the indigenous beliefs and practices. They integrated elements of Celtic mythology and folklore into their Christian message, transforming them into vehicles of divine revelation.
Despite its distinctiveness, Celtic Christianity was deeply rooted in the wider tradition of the universal Church. It affirmed the authority of the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the apostolic succession, while also embracing a more decentralized and flexible form of ecclesial organization.
The legacy of Celtic Christianity continues to inspire and enrich the spiritual lives of countless people today. Its emphasis on the immanence of God, the interconnectedness of all things, and the sanctity of creation resonates deeply with the contemporary longing for a more holistic and integrated spirituality.
In the AFCC, we seek to embody the spirit of Celtic Christianity, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage and timeless wisdom. We strive to cultivate a spirituality that is deeply rooted in the natural world, that honors the sacredness of all life, and that fosters a sense of connection and communion with God and one another.
As we journey together in faith, may we be guided by the spirit of the Celtic saints and mystics, who walked the ancient paths with courage, humility, and grace. May their witness inspire us to seek God's presence in the ordinary moments of life, to cherish the beauty of creation, and to embrace the mystery of God's love that surrounds us always.