Independent Catholicism

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Independent Catholicism (also known as Contemporary Catholicism) includes individuals who self-identify as Catholic without necessarily going through the official catechism classes required by the Roman Catholic Church.

This community is dedicated to discussing and exploring the diverse world of Independent Catholicism, including its commitment to inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Independent Catholicism encompasses a variety of small, autonomous churches that identify as Catholic but operate outside the governance of the Roman Catholic Church and other mainstream Catholic bodies.

These churches often retain traditional Catholic liturgical practices, sacraments, and apostolic succession while embracing their own governance structures, theological perspectives, and a progressive approach to social issues, including full acceptance and support of LGBTQ+ members.

Whether you’re interested in the liturgical richness, the inclusive values, or the unique expressions of faith found within Independent Catholicism, this forum is your space to connect, learn, and share.

Join us in celebrating the diversity of Catholic belief and practice, and in building a supportive, inclusive community for all who are part of or curious about the Independent Catholic movement.

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Unofficial list of Christian denominations and denominational welcoming church programs around the world. You can find additional resources on Wikipedia at LGBT-affirming Christian Denominations and Christian Denominational Positions on Homosexuality. The Human Rights Campaign offers detailed information about denominations on their website. The Pew Research Center also has good information available on their website.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Pride Month begins this weekend, but there are many places that promote LGBTQ Equality all year round. Including a local Catholic Church in Kansas City that wants to turn their message of unity and equality into action during June.

At a time when many churches report smaller turnout, membership at the Christ the King Independent Catholic Church is holding steady as they continue to promote being a welcoming place no matter who you choose to love.

Growing up in a small town in rural Kansas, Jenri Conley says she struggled to feel accepted for being a lesbian.

“I felt like a bad Catholic just because of who I am and have gone through periods feeling a lot of anxiety,” expressed Jenri Conley, who attends Christ the King. “Since coming here it’s improved my life so much.” This Pride Month, Father Taylor Tracy, who’s openly gay, and his clergy are determined to reach more people like Jenri.

“It’s all about meeting people where they’re at,” Father Tracy explained. “So rather than try to fix people it’s all about journeying and healing with them alongside them. These are all our sheep; these are the blood of children of God that have been ostracized through no fault of their own.”

Throughout June, Christ the King will have booths at as many events as possible. Their goal they say is to show everyone your orientation doesn’t define your relationship with God.

“God loves each and every one of us unconditionally without reservations,” Conley said. “Without exceptions. I think it’s important to flourish who you are and not try to please other people.”

“This isn’t a gay church; this is the church and it’s a place where you are welcome unconditionally,” Father Tracy added. “You can come and raise children and receive the sacraments. We shouldn’t wait until we’re in heaven to build that community.”

This year Christ the King Independent Catholic Community has a congregation of 125 each week. In August, it is adding a second service every Sunday to keep up with the growth.

Christ the King Independent Catholic Church is not affiliated with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Bishop James Johnston of the diocese released the following statement to KCTV5.

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Inclusion without qualification is a familiar theme in independent eucharistic communities, especially when it comes to women, the LGBTQ community, and the divorced and remarried. Social justice themes, outreach to those on society's margins, are also prominent, far more likely to be prioritized on websites than doctrinal or devotional elements of communal life.

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Icon inscriptions are symbols and acronyms accepted in the Russian Orthodox icon-painting tradition. Inscriptions can be made both in Church Slavonic and in Greek language.

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The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are reviving faith in communities around the globe. The spirit of St. Francis of Assisi is alive and well in these friars and sisters of the renewal who radically live out the call of the Gospel while allowing the intensity of their life to flow from the humble gaze of Christ directed towards our hearts. This is lived out with a hyper-focus on the call of Christ and Francis to embrace the life of continual conversion and union with the Father.

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Among monastic orders there is a framing of poverty that remains strange to our present sensibilities.