Catholic Apostolic Church

London July 2015-8

Sankt Georgios grekisk-ortodoxa metropolitkyrka, Stockholm

Apostolic

Former Catholic Apostolic Church, Albury Park, Albury (March 2014) (3)

Catholic Apostolic Church was a religious movement that emerged in the early 19th century in England. The movement was rooted in the Anglican Church and was influenced by a series of prophetic messages received by its members. It sought to restore the apostolic succession and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church, including prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. The Catholic Apostolic Church believed in the imminent return of Jesus Christ and aimed to prepare the world for this event.

History

The origins of the Catholic Apostolic Church can be traced back to 1831, when a group of clergy and laymen within the Anglican Church, including Edward Irving, experienced what they believed to be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This included speaking in tongues and prophetic utterances, leading to the formation of a distinct community. Irving, a Scottish clergyman, played a significant role in the early development of the movement but was later expelled from the Presbyterian Church due to his beliefs.

The movement quickly organized itself, establishing twelve apostles in 1835, whom they believed were called by God to lead the church and restore the offices of the early Christian church. These apostles were responsible for ordaining ministers, establishing new congregations, and spreading the teachings of the movement.

Beliefs and Practices

The Catholic Apostolic Church held several key beliefs that distinguished it from other Christian denominations. It emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and the sacraments, apostolic succession, and the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. The church practiced liturgical worship, which included elements of both the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions.

One of the central tenets of the Catholic Apostolic Church was the belief in the imminent Second Coming of Christ. This eschatological focus influenced much of the church's theology and practices, including the mission to gather a faithful remnant to prepare for this event.

Structure

The church's structure was hierarchical, modeled after the early Christian church. It was led by the twelve apostles, who had authority over the bishops, priests, and deacons within the church. The apostles were seen as direct successors to the original apostles of Jesus Christ, and their leadership was considered divinely ordained.

Legacy

The Catholic Apostolic Church's influence waned after the death of the last of its original apostles in 1901, as it had not appointed successors. However, its liturgical practices and emphasis on the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit have influenced other Christian movements and denominations, including the New Apostolic Church, which considers itself a successor to the Catholic Apostolic Church.

Despite its decline, the Catholic Apostolic Church left a lasting architectural legacy, with several notable church buildings constructed in the 19th century that are still in use today. These buildings are often characterized by their elaborate Gothic Revival style.

Conclusion

The Catholic Apostolic Church represents a unique chapter in the history of Christianity, marked by its attempt to restore the apostolic and charismatic aspects of the early church. While it no longer exists as a distinct denomination, its teachings and practices continue to influence contemporary Christian thought and worship.