We, the editors of the Old Roman Catholic Clerical Directory, write in response to the circular issued by the Sacred Consistory of the North American Old Roman Catholic Church, dated 31 May 2025, concerning the Apostolatus Vetus Romanus and this Directory.
The Old Roman Catholic Clerical Directory was established in 2017 as an independent archival initiative. It exists solely to document publicly verifiable information about clergy within the Old Roman Catholic tradition, including episcopal consecrations, ordinations, faculties, and active ministry. The Directory is not governed by, nor does it operate on behalf of, any jurisdiction or ecclesiastical body. It is editorially independent and its polity explicit.
Throughout its history, the Directory has relied on voluntary submissions, public notices, and official ecclesiastical documentation from a wide range of jurisdictions—including the North American Old Roman Catholic Church. In fact, the current Primate of the NAORCC personally contributed numerous corrections and updates to the Directory across several years, both before and after his election, and without any indication of objection.
Since its inception, the Directory has carried a clear and unambiguous disclaimer:
“Listing in the ORC Clerical Directory implies no other relationship, dependence or polity of an individual with other persons or jurisdictions also listed, other than as may be specifically detailed.”
This language exists to prevent precisely the type of misapprehension expressed in the NAORCC’s recent statement. No claim of oversight, unity, or affiliation has ever been made—explicitly or implicitly.
We respect the right of any jurisdiction to dissociate from public listings or initiatives. We likewise welcome corrections and clarifications of entries. But we must state plainly that the inclusion of clergy within this Directory does not signify membership in any ecclesial structure. It is a record—not a roll.
It is disappointing that the NAORCC’s circular made no reference to the history of amicable cooperation, nor to the charitable support extended to them in recent years by those associated with this work—including a monetary contribution toward the funeral costs of their late Primate, Archbishop Edward J. Ford, of blessed memory.
Nevertheless, we reaffirm our commitment to historical integrity, transparency, and charity in service of the wider Old Roman Catholic tradition. This Directory serves as an independent listing and archival record of publicly attested ecclesiastical acts—such as ordinations, episcopal consecrations, canonical appointments, and public ministry—without implying jurisdictional authority or interdependence.
Let all who serve Christ and His Church do so with a mind toward truth and peace.
UPDATE: We publish here a response to the NAORCC circular by the Primus of the Apostolatus Vetus Romanus, reiterating their independence from this Directory and regret at the nature of the aforementioned circular.
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