Old Catholicism refers especially to churches that separated from Roman Catholic jurisdiction after the First Vatican Council and later formed the Union of Utrecht.
Historical development
The movement drew upon the earlier independent Catholic Church of Utrecht and opposed the definitions of papal universal jurisdiction and infallibility promulgated in 1870.
Contemporary life
Old Catholic churches retain episcopal polity, apostolic succession, creedal faith, and sacramental worship. Individual bodies have developed differently in doctrine, discipline, ecumenical relations, and moral teaching.