Catholic Apostolic Church in North America
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The Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, otherwise known by the acronym CACINA,[1] is a self-governing Catholic communion of parishes, missions, and ministries that operates principally in the United States. In its theology and emphasis on sacramental life and worship, CACINA broadly embodies the historic faith witness of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
History[edit]
Origins
The roots of CACINA trace back to 1945, when Dom Carlos Duarte Costa, the Roman Catholic bishop of Botucatu, Brazil,[1] declared his independence from the jurisdiction of Rome. He founded the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church (Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira) after engaging in lengthy discussions with the Holy See regarding three major issues:
- Celibacy: Dom Carlos abolished the requirement of celibacy for the sacrament of holy orders, arguing it contradicted both New Testament teachings and the first millennium of Church history.
- Language: He mandated that the Mass be celebrated in the vernacular of the local community.
- Papal Infallibility: Dom Carlos repudiated the dogma of papal infallibility, citing a crisis of Christian conscience.
His Church quickly gained prominence in Brazil by advocating for social justice, land reform, and the rights of the poor during a time of military dictatorship, earning the nickname "the Church of the poor."
Expansion to North America
During his lifetime, Dom Carlos consecrated eleven bishops to expand the church’s influence across Central and South America. One of these bishops, Estefan Corradi-Scarella, was sent to the United States in 1949, establishing a mission in New Mexico, which ultimately led to the formation of CACINA.
Size and presence[edit]
As of 2024, CACINA has parishes and missions in eight U.S. states and operates two religious orders of canonical right, alongside various ministries in education, social services, health care chaplaincies, hospice, hunger relief, and restorative justice. Although the church has fewer than 1,000 communicants in the U.S., the global network of national Catholic Apostolic Churches includes nearly five million members.
Organization and Governance[edit]
CACINA is organized into two dioceses, each overseen by resident bishops. The Church is governed by a bicameral assembly consisting of a House of Delegates (HOD) and a College of Bishops (COB)[1]. Representatives meet annually in a General Assembly under the pastoral jurisdiction of the presiding bishop.
Beliefs[edit]
CACINA affirms the following core tenets:
- Acceptance of the Nicene, Apostles, and Athanasian Creeds as definitive for the Catholic Faith.
- Adherence to the teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church.
- Belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
- Recognition of seven sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. [1]
- Understanding of bishops as successors to the Apostles, with equal teaching and pastoral authority derived from apostolic succession.
CACINA also promotes inclusivity, allowing access to sacraments irrespective of gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. [1]
Apostolic Succession[edit]
CACINA maintains an historic episcopate rooted in the apostolic lineage from Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa. The Church uses the Roman Pontifical in its rites of Holy Orders.
Liberation Theology[edit]
CACINA is deeply influenced by Liberation Theology, advocating for social justice and recognizing God’s preferential option for the poor. Since its inception, the church has served as a voice for the marginalized and disenfranchised.
Books[edit]
Byrne, Julie. The Other Catholics: Remaking America's Largest Religion. Columbia University Press, June 2018. ISBN 9780231150651.
Jarvis, Edward. God, Land & Freedom: The True Story of I.C.A.B.: The Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church: Its History, Theology, Branches, and Worldwide Offshoots. The Apocryphile Press, Berkeley, CA. ISBN 9781947826908.
Jarvis, Edward. Carlos Duarte Costa: Testament of a Socialist Bishop. Apocryphile Press. ISBN 978-1949643237.
Plummer, John P., and John R. Mabry. Who Are the Independent Catholics? Apocryphile Press, August 1, 2006. English. Paperback, 100 pages. ISBN 1933993006.
Clerical Life[edit]
CACINA clergy generally do not receive salaries for their ministry. Following Dom Carlos's pastoral guidance and the tradition of the French worker priest movement, clergy are expected to support themselves through independent employment.
Theological Education of Clergy[edit]
Most CACINA clergy come from two primary backgrounds: former Roman Catholic clerics and ministry professionals from other Christian traditions. Many have advanced theological training. The St. Charles of Brazil Institute serves as the main educational body for clergy formation, partnering with Notre Dame University’s McGrath Institute for Church Life to offer a distance learning curriculum.
Ecumenical Relationships[edit]
CACINA is active in ecumenical dialogue and partnerships at both local and regional levels. It is a member of:
- The International Council of Community Churches
- The National Council of Churches
- The World Council of Churches
- Churches Uniting in Christ
CACINA also holds intercommunion agreements with the Orthodox Catholic Church in America and the Apostolic Catholic Church in America. The presiding bishop participates in the Catholic Bishops Forum
References[edit]
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