Declaration on Ecclesiastical Recognition and Apostolic Communion

Preamble

In fidelity to the ancient and undivided tradition of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and in full continuity with the apostolic succession received through both Western and Eastern lines, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church (URRC) declares the principles by which it conducts ecclesiastical recognition, apostolic communion, and relations with other Churches and communions.

The ordinary posture of the URRC is one of Christian brotherhood, mutual ecclesial respect, and cooperation in the proclamation of the Gospel. It receives other Apostolic Churches according to their inherited succession, faith, sacramental life, and canonical order, and it seeks relations that give visible expression to the unity already shared in Christ.

Principles of ecclesiastical recognition

The URRC recognizes with fraternal respect Churches and jurisdictions that:

1. Possess valid apostolic succession through historic and sacramental lines;
2. Uphold the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed and the core dogmas of the undivided Church;
3. Preserve the holy mysteries (sacraments) in accordance with sacred tradition.

Such recognition is an exercise of the URRC’s own Apostolic and canonical authority. It may be expressed through concordats, instruments of intercommunion, mutual recognition, common ministry, and other relations of Christian amity. In each form, its purpose is to honour the Apostolic character of the Churches, strengthen Christian brotherhood, and advance their common witness to the faith once delivered to the saints.

The URRC’s canonical identity and ecclesiastical continuity provide the foundation from which it enters these relations. As an autocephalous Church, it exercises this ministry in accordance with its received Apostolic patrimony, its canon law, and the ecclesiology of mutual respect.

Communion and reciprocity

Ecclesiastical recognition carries reciprocal responsibilities. Churches in relation acknowledge one another’s Apostolic character and sacred ministry, speak of one another with truth and charity, and preserve the mutual respect proper to Christian communion. The URRC therefore governs a formal denial of its ecclesial character by the following procedure:

1. Any jurisdiction that formally denies the validity or apostolic character of the URRC, or that labels it using derogatory terms or denies its canonical status thereby places itself outside the bounds of mutual ecclesial respect.
2. In such cases, the URRC, while never initiating hostility or condemnation, will reciprocally withhold recognition of the sacramental and ecclesial validity of the denying body, according to the principle of ecclesial justice and parity.
3. This policy is not punitive but defensive and logical: as one cannot coherently accept the validity of a body that denies one’s own, the URRC maintains a consistent ecclesiological posture.

Commitment to Christian unity

The application of this procedure does not extinguish prayer, charity, or openness to reconciliation. The URRC remains ready for sincere dialogue with all who seek unity in truth and love, in the spirit of Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church affirms its sacramental life, Apostolic continuity, Orthodox and Old Catholic patrimony, and place within the historic Church. It calls all who name Christ as Lord to meet one another in brotherhood and to proclaim the Gospel together in unity of faith and love.