This year we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Declaration of Utrecht. The Declaration was signed in 1889 and sets forth the foundation of the Union of Utrecht. One of the major issues that inspired this Declaration was papal infallibility. The Declaration stands today as the foundation upon which many of the world’s Old Catholic Jurisdictions are built. In the IOCC, this Declaration is the backbone of the church and has given us the freedom to grow. The IOCC is a welcoming community which supports the freedom of all people regardless of their gender, race, sexual identity or social status. I am very blessed to be a part of the IOCC. I feel that everyone is loved by God regardless of who they are or who they love. With this said and in line with the request of the International Church, I, Monsignor Lady Shelia Sherwood, Vicar General of the United Kingdom for the IOCC declare that we in the United Kingdom will extend the same love and care for all people. It is our desire to see the church in the UK grow and thrive during this celebration year. May God continue to richly bless us all.


 ( Very Reverend Lady Sheila. T. Sherwood OPoc, Vicar General U.K.)

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