Diocese of Saint Matthias the Apostle - C.E.E.C.

The A.C.C. holds to the Scriptural and Apostolic practice of admitting women to the Dioconate (the office of Deacon/ess) but not to the Priesthood or Episcopate. While it may be socially acceptable or culturally relevant to our day and age the A.C.C. has yet to discern irrefutable proof that such a practice was in accordance with the apostolic faith universally held by the church catholic.

What is the A.C.C.'s position on Homosexuality?

Homosexuality is condemned, in both the Old and New Testament, as a sin that will prevent the practitioner from entering heaven. While we reach out to those trapped within such a perverse and spiritually destructive lifestyle with the love of Christ, continuance within that lifestyle is in no way condoned within the A.C.C.

 What is the A.C.C.'s position on Forced Celibacy?

The Practice of Forced Celibacy for clergy was not the practice of the New Testament or Apostolic Church; in fact the Scriptures clearly teach us the opposite was true. The A.C.C. does not require celibacy of its clergy however we do require a sexually pure life; meaning that if our clergy is married they always remain faithful to their spouses and if they are single they refrain from the sin of fornication out side marriage.

What is the A.C.C.'s position on Divorce and Remarriage?

Divorce is an unfortunate epidemic of our secular society. The A.C.C. holds to the belief that marriage is a Sacred institution ordained by God. Neither Marriage nor Divorce should be entered into lightly. It is the responsibility of the Church to strive to ensure that the couple in question has a firm understanding of the commitment they are undertaking in choosing to Marry. Like wise it is the Churches responsibility to strive to prevent a divorce from occurring. However, this being said, we realize that divorce does happen and believe that divorce should not prevent a penitent Christian from fully participating in the life of the Church.

Exception: Members of the Clergy (Priest/Bishops) who, being married upon entering into the Clerical Orders, are prohibited from remarrying while remaining within the Holy Order.

What is the A.C.C.'s position on Abortion?

The A.C.C. holds that the practice of abortion for birth control is the taking of a human life and is therefore condemned in Scripture as a mortal sin. However all too often the full affects of such a ‘choice” are not fully realized by the unfortunate soul who was deceived into undertaking such a destructive procedure therefore the Church should be ever ready to project the love of Christ upon those whom He has lead to regretting having had an abortion . Like wise the Church should be ever ready to assist, to the best it is ability, the penitent women and girls who find themselves pregnant and choose to follow the will of God and keep the blessing that His Providence has bestowed on them, in the rearing of that child.

What is the A.C.C.'s position on the Death Penalty?

The Death Penalty is the willful taking of a human life and denies the grace of God and as such is a mortal sin condemned in Scripture. The A.C.C. opposes the Death Penalty.

What is the A.C.C.'s position on War?

War is the orchestrated wholesale taking of human life and is not to be engaged in by Christians. Christ tells us to work for Peace and to refrain from vengeance, murder, to be forgiving and not to yield to the ways of this world but to seek first the Kingdom of God. Christians are not citizens of this world but of heaven.