Nigerian Catholic Diocese Distances Itself from Pastor of “Old Catholic Apostolic Church”

“My attention has been drawn to the presence of some members of a religious group under the name of Old Catholic Apostolic Church (alias OCAC)' that has infiltrated and practically invaded some of our Parishes trying to lure unsuspecting Catholics into their Church under the false pretense that their Church is the same as Roman Catholic Church under the headship of the Pope,” he says.

The Chancellor expresses concern that some Parishes in the Diocese of Ahiara are already experiencing the activities of the Old Catholic Apostolic Church. 

Fr. Ukawuba explains that the Old Catholic Apostolic Church is a schismatic group that separated themselves from the Catholic Church, and was excommunicated. 

The ordinations and sacraments of the religious group are not recognized by the Catholic Church as valid, he says, adding that those who purport to be ordained ministers in the group are not true Catholic Priests.

Fr. Ukawuba warns that Catholics who “deliberately and knowingly” identifies, promotes, participates, or has communion with the excommunicated group “stands in danger of ex-communication with its effects.” 

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He says, “Such people are banned from receiving the Sacraments and may not enjoy any right or privilege proper for a Catholic.”

“May we continue to pray for the Church and her mission in Ahiara Diocese as we commend all to the Maternal intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary,” he implores.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.