The unbroken chain: apostolic succession
Discover the foundational principle that connects The Society of Traditional Old Catholics to the earliest days of Christianity. Understand why this continuous line of spiritual authority is central to our faith and ministry.
What is apostolic succession?
Apostolic succession is the method whereby the ministry of the Christian Church is considered by some Christian denominations to be derived from the Apostles by a continuous succession, which has usually been associated with a claim that the succession is through a series of Bishops. Those of the Orthodox, Catholic, Old Catholic and other traditions maintain that "a bishop cannot have regular or valid orders unless he has been consecrated in this apostolic succession.” All the Bishops of The Society of Traditional Old Catholics hold several authentic lines of Apostolic Succession.
Why it matters to us
For The Society of Traditional Old Catholics, Apostolic Succession is not merely a historical concept; it is a vital part of our identity and validity. As with Orthodox, Catholic, and other Old Catholic traditions, we maintain that "a bishop cannot have regular or valid orders unless he has been consecrated in this apostolic succession.” This principle ensures the authenticity and legitimacy of our clergy and sacraments.
Our authentic lineage
We are proud to affirm that all the Bishops of The Society of Traditional Old Catholics hold several authentic lines of Apostolic Succession. This continuous spiritual heritage connects us directly to the Apostles, ensuring the unbroken transmission of grace and authority within our church. We hope this understanding deepens your appreciation for our traditions and invites you to explore further.
All the Bishops of The Society of Traditional Old Catholics hold several authentic lines of Apostolic Succession as noted below:
Roman Catholic Succession – Petrine Line
Patriarchal See of Antioch
The Catholic Apostolic Church Succession
Russian Synodical Church Succession
Albanian Orthodox Church Succession
Coptic Orthodox Church Succession
Marivite Succession
Old Catholic See of Utrecht Succession
Old English Catholic Church
Ukrainian Orthodox USA Succession
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Succession
Patriarch of Constantinople (Greek Orthodox)
Orthodox Church of Moscow (Russian Orthodox)
Greek – Melkite Catholic Succession (Uniate)
Polish Old Catholic Church Succession
Order of Corporate Reunion
Celtic-Hebraic Succession
Syrian Orthodox Succession
Vilatte – Carfora Succession
Rebiba – Varlet – Mathew – Carfora Succession (Old Catholic Line)
Brazilian Catholic Line – Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church
Second Mathew (Old Catholic) Line of Apostolic Succession
Succeeding from the Medieval Church (Leone de Simone 1442)
The Old Catholic Church of America.
The Society of Traditional Old Catholics can rest easy knowing that our purpose is greatly strengthened by the combination of legitimate and authentic apostolic succession.
The Most Reverend Les Doughty, Chapter Superior West Midlands and Shropshire