Through the inspiration, blessing, and prayers of Bishop Rafe Adams, Bishop of the Diocese of Mid-America as well as the guidance of Rev. Jim Schratz, OFM, and the support of countless others our parish: Sister Thea Bowman Ecumenical Catholic Church, under the Pastoral Charge of Carol Ann Blow, OFM, was born into existence and incorporated under the laws of the state of Arkansas.  Our first Mass was held on Saturday, May 29, 2022, in the chapel of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR.

 

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we, as baptized members of the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Jesus Christ, respond in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the words of the Gospel, and desire to unite together in proclaiming the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments and carrying out God’s mission in the world.

 

As a Christian community, Sister Thea Bowman ECC affirms the Apostolic Tradition embodied in the collected writings of the Christian scriptures, together with the ancient Hebrew Scriptures having been passed on to the Catholic Church.  Sister Thea Bowman ECC is an ecumenical Catholic faith community celebrating a characteristically Catholic faith that is not sectarian.

 

Sister Thea Bowman ECC is “Old Catholic” in that we derive our apostolic succession form the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands.  The Old Catholic Churches have revised doctrine, worship, and discipline, There are differences between the different churches in these matters, but all are united on the basis of the Declaration of Utrecht of 1889.

 

Sister Thea Bowman ECC, as a faith community, follows an authentic catholic faith tradition in that we participate in the full sacramental ministry of the Church inviting all God’s people to participate fully with us.

 

All persons are free to enjoy God’s gifts of love, joy and intimacy.  We, at Sister Thea Bowman ECC, are determined that our life together will be fully inclusive, striving in our words and actions to uphold each person’s rights to respect, dignity, and