Declaration on Ecclesiastical Recognition and Apostolic Communion

Preamble

In fidelity to the ancient and undivided tradition of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and in full continuity with the apostolic succession received through both Western and Eastern lines, the United Roman-Ruthenian Church (URRC) issues the following declaration concerning ecclesiastical recognition and relations with other apostolic churches and communions.

The URRC recognizes with fraternal respect all Churches and jurisdictions that:

1. Possess valid apostolic succession through historic and sacramental lines;
2. Uphold the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed and the core dogmas of the undivided Church;
3. Seek to preserve the holy mysteries (sacraments) in accordance with sacred tradition.

The URRC exercises its own canonical legitimacy and extends recognition in Christian brotherhood without condition of approval.

As an autocephalous body within the tradition of the historic Church, the URRC affirms its full canonical legitimacy and validity, independent of external approbation or oversight. This independence does not negate our desire for fraternal dialogue, but reflects the freedom inherent in the principle of apostolic autocephaly and the ecclesiology of mutual respect.

It is the position of the URRC that:

1. Any jurisdiction that formally denies the validity or apostolic character of the URRC, or that labels it using derogatory terms or denies its canonical status thereby places itself outside the bounds of mutual ecclesial respect.
2. In such cases, the URRC, while never initiating hostility or condemnation, will reciprocally withhold recognition of the sacramental and ecclesial validity of the denying body, according to the principle of ecclesial justice and parity.
3. This policy is not punitive but defensive and logical: as one cannot coherently accept the validity of a body that denies one’s own, the URRC maintains a consistent ecclesiological posture.

The URRC earnestly prays for the healing of divisions among all apostolic Christians. While we encourage mutual recognition among Apostolic, Orthodox, and Catholic autocephalous Churches and believe that such should be the goal of Churches, we affirm that true validity ultimately rests on Apostolic authority, theological integrity, and charity in Christ.

We remain open to dialogue and reconciliation with all who seek unity in truth and love, in the spirit of Christ’s prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).

The United Roman-Ruthenian Church stands firm in its identity as a canonical, valid, Orthodox and Old Catholic body within the historic Church. We affirm our sacramental life, our apostolic continuity, and our commitment to the faith once delivered to the saints. May all who name Christ as Lord strive to seek one another not in suspicion, but in brotherhood, that we may together proclaim the Gospel in unity of faith and love.