"A Welcoming Community of Faith Rooted in the Catholic Tradition"

Autocephalous Catholic Synod

Proposal

 

In 1908 William C. “Billy” Durant was the force behind the creation of the General Motors Corporation in the United States.  GM was created as an umbrella company to support the weak and struggling Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and later Cadillac automobiles companies.  In union within GM these nameplates were able to grow and survive in Detroit. Under the GM banner these automobiles were able to retain their charism and also avoid unnecessary competition with one another.

 

In many ways I view the serious jurisdictions within the Autocephalous Movement akin to Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Cadillac – jurisdictions with common and very unique charisms which could be supported and enhanced by a fraternal umbrella.

 

Therefore, I am embolden to propose a fraternal umbrella with the working name of The Autocephalous Catholic Synod to invite jurisdictions within the Autocephalous Catholic Movement to come together in association to advance the ultimate mission of the Autocephalous Catholic Movement – to provide Sacramental, Spiritual, Liturgical and Pastoral Care to the People of God with the highest of possible professional standards.

 

The key to this Synod will be the commitment of member jurisdictions to embrace and implement the highest of professional and ethical pastoral standards to counter the profound lack of such standards common within the ACM.

 

Membership within this Synod will not require member jurisdictions to abdicate their charisms.  On the contrary, this Synod will encourage member jurisdictions to discern, discover and design a potential new pathway for common Sacramental, Spiritual, Liturgical and Pastoral travel.

 

The prime prerequisite for membership within the Synod will be for candidate jurisdiction to demonstrate their pastoral pro-activity and fidelity to the core dogmas of the historic Catholic Faith.  Applications from play-acting jurisdictions or bishops sans credentials will not be eligible for consideration.

 

Under the GM corporate umbrella, five nameplates were able to thrive and prosper within the automotive industry.  I believe that under the umbrella of the Autocephalous Catholic Synod, serious jurisdictions have a unique opportunity to enhance the potentiality of the ACM.

 

The Evangelical Catholic Church is prepared to commit to this endeavor and I pray that the Holy Spirit will encourage other jurisdictions to consider sharing this journey.

 

I would welcome any thoughts, comments or feedback you may have on this subject.  Please email me at bishopjames@diocesenorthwest.org

 

 

Until then, I remain

 

 

Respectfully Yours in Christ,

 

 

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski

Presiding Bishop for the Evangelical Catholic Church

Chicago, Illinois

September 20th, 2012