We must move forward together, as lay and clerical leaders, knowing we are called to become a revitalized and renewed Catholicism, inspired by the Spirit to justice within, and a welcome to all. So many Catholics have experienced alienation, marginalization and feelings of separation from their beloved Church. Through personal experience, I share their heartache and sadness. However, I strive to heed the words of the Franciscan author, Richard Rohr: “You cannot build on death. You can only build on life.”

"At all times the Church carries the responsibility of reading the signs of the times…in light of the Gospel". (Gaudium et Spes, Vat. II) We, the people of God, rising up from the grassroots, are the ones called to bring to life the vision proclaimed five decades ago. As the universal Catholic Church is called to practice authenticity and integrity, the ECC is focused on "offering a refuge in Christ to all those who suffer prejudice" or who’s voice is excluded, or are denied the sacraments, for we know "no bishop, priest, or deacon owns the sacraments". (ECC presiding bishop, Peter Hickman)

We are ecumenical, and Catholic, and inclusive. "We profess our faith in Jesus Christ and the living tradition handed down to us from the Apostles, Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene, and stand open to a dialogue with those of other denominations and faith traditions." For the past eight years this has made a real difference to individuals in our four Colorado parishes.

"I found a community with other Catholics who were also divorced", says Peter Conti, of Light of Christ, Longmont. In the ongoing struggle over who "can" and "can’t" receive communion, (Rev.) Teri Harroun remembers…"I used to step over people in the pew on my way to Eucharist. But Eucharist now is a fuller, more complete, holy, intimate timeless moment…This unfettered inclusion is the story that has most inspired and given life to me in the ECC."

"Many of us have come with different experiences with authority. Laity’s experience of authority has been different than that of pastors. This time we empowered the laity to be fully the House of the Laity. For centuries the laity have trusted the clergy and we have failed them over the years."
(Bishop Steve Rosczewski, Florida diocese of ECC).

It is time to put new wine into new wineskins, as Christ taught. It is time to build on the foundation of an ancient and living Catholicism that is Gospel-centered, universal, and ecumenical. "We are part of the entire Catholic Church. We do not wish to start a new church.
We are faithful to the Catholic Church Universal, which includes the church of Rome." (Bishop Peter Hickman)

The Rocky Mountain Region, ECC welcomes all others who are moved to join us in this new time in history.

Rev. Len Schreiner
Vicar, Rocky Mountain Region