Old Roman Catholicism is a broad designation used by several autocephalous Western Catholic jurisdictions that claim continuity through historic episcopal succession, usually connected with Utrecht or later Utrecht-related consecrations. The term also may apply to those jurisdictions that descend in apostolic succession from Archbishop Arnold Harris Mathew, Earl Landaff of Thomastown, who separated with Utrecht over theological disputes and concerns that Utrecht was abandoning traditional Catholic doctrine and praxis.
Identity
Old Roman Catholic bodies generally retain traditional Catholic sacraments, liturgy, clerical orders, and episcopal governance while remaining outside the jurisdiction of the Roman pope and the Union of Utrecht.
Diversity
The term does not identify one universally governed communion. Historical claims, doctrine, discipline, and relationships differ among jurisdictions, so each body must be considered according to its own constitution and documented succession.