The Ecumenical Catholic Communion 

Shares a common theology and liturgical tradition with the universal Catholic Church.  Our bishops, priests and deacons participate in the same apostolic succession as does the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches and other apostolic sacramental churches. 

Distinctives: 

Although we share a common theology and liturgical tradition with the Catholic Church, we have, and will continue to develop Distinctive Teachings to express our growing understanding at the implications of the Gospel message of Christ in our time.  These teachings include — that each baptized person is an equal member of the Catholic Church and this equality must be evident in Synodal and local governance and ministry; that all the baptized, irrespective of marital status or sexual orientation and relationship, are welcome to celebrate the sacraments; that the ministerial priesthood in the ECC is open to all the baptized, regardless of gender, sexual orientation and relationships, or marital status; and that in intimate affairs, such as the decision to divorce and the use of artificial birth control, the ECC follows the primacy of an individual’s conscience. 

All members 

Participate in selecting bishops and pastors.  This practice has historic precedence in Catholic tradition.  ”He is to govern all and should be chosen by all.”  (Pope Leo I in 450)