Old Catholic Mission in France

The Old Catholic Mission in France represents the presence and pastoral organisation of Old Catholic Christians within France who are affiliated with the Utrecht Union of the Old Catholic Churches. This affiliation is mediated through the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland, reflecting the transnational and episcopal structure of the Old Catholic movement in Europe. The mission operates under the jurisdiction of the International Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which serves as the coordinating episcopal body for churches of the Utrecht Union.

Historical background of Old Catholicism

Old Catholicism emerged in the late nineteenth century following the First Vatican Council of 1869–1870, particularly in response to the proclamation of papal infallibility. Groups of clergy and laity who rejected this dogma formed independent Catholic communities that sought to preserve what they regarded as the theology and ecclesiology of the early undivided Church.
The movement soon organised itself into national churches, which entered into communion with one another through the Union of Utrecht, formally established in 1889. The Utrecht Union is characterised by a shared commitment to episcopal governance, sacramental theology, and doctrinal continuity, while rejecting certain developments within the Roman Catholic Church.

Old Catholic presence in France

Unlike countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, France has not historically maintained a large or formally constituted Old Catholic national church. Instead, Old Catholic communities in France have developed in a more limited and missionary form, leading to the establishment of the Old Catholic Mission in France.
The mission provides pastoral care, liturgical services, and sacramental ministry to Old Catholics residing in France. It also serves individuals and communities drawn to Old Catholic theology, particularly those seeking a Catholic tradition independent of Roman jurisdiction.

Relationship with the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland

The Old Catholic Mission in France is linked institutionally to the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland, one of the founding members of the Utrecht Union. This relationship ensures apostolic succession, episcopal oversight, and sacramental validity within the mission.
Through this connection, clergy serving in France are authorised and supervised by Swiss Old Catholic bishops. This arrangement reflects a common practice within Old Catholicism, whereby smaller or emerging communities are placed under the care of established national churches rather than forming independent dioceses.

Jurisdiction and governance

The mission falls under the jurisdiction of the International Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the body responsible for maintaining doctrinal unity and mutual recognition among the member churches of the Utrecht Union. The conference provides a framework for cooperation, theological dialogue, and collective decision-making on matters affecting the wider Old Catholic communion.
Within this structure, the Old Catholic Mission in France operates in accordance with Old Catholic ecclesiology, which emphasises synodality, the participation of clergy and laity in governance, and the autonomy of local churches within a communion of equals.

Theology and liturgical practice

The Old Catholic Mission in France adheres to the theological principles of the Utrecht Union, including a commitment to the authority of Scripture and the early ecumenical councils, sacramental life centred on the Eucharist, and episcopal continuity.
Liturgical practice within the mission reflects Old Catholic traditions adapted to the French context. Services are typically conducted in the vernacular, and the mission maintains an inclusive pastoral approach consistent with contemporary Old Catholic positions on issues such as clerical marriage and the role of laity in church life.

Ecumenical relations

Old Catholic churches are known for their active engagement in ecumenical dialogue, particularly with Anglican, Orthodox, and Protestant communities. The Old Catholic Mission in France participates in this ecumenical ethos, seeking cooperation and mutual understanding with other Christian bodies within the French religious landscape.
Through its connection to the Utrecht Union, the mission shares in formal agreements of communion and dialogue, notably with the Anglican Communion, which recognise shared sacramental life and ministry.