The mission of Spirit of Christ finds its roots in a religious movement sweeping this country. Over the past decade over ten percent of American church members have stopped going to church. The most frequently cited reasons are clergy scandals, lack of women in ministry, LGBTQ equality, pastoral insensitivity, policies on divorce and remarriage. Because so many people are leaving the pews some ardent believers from established denominations have been sponsoring start-up churches to fill the spiritual needs that large institutional churches have not been able to meet.
These small, independent churches are thriving because it easier to develop meaningful relationships. They are able to provide more freedom and flexibility than a larger rigidly structured church. The Old Catholic Churches of Europe (also known as the Union of Utrecht) exemplifies this initiative. It is a branch of Catholicism that separated from Rome in the 19th century over the issue of papal infallibility and absolute papal authority. The Old Catholic Church is a prime example of this national movement towards smaller, more personal communities.
Here are some reasons that people have for joining small Catholic Churches such as the OCC:
- Easier to build responsive, warm and authentic relationships
- Equality of each person in status or social position
- Feelings of welcome and acceptance, where personal views matter
- Every person is invited to receive communion
- Small, intimate surroundings for mass and worship either in a church, home or outdoor setting
- Quick availability to pastoral care