BE IN THE KNOW | List of Catholic churches that are not Catholic: Churches That Use the Name Catholic but Are Not in Communion with the Catholic Church
Because some groups call themselves "Catholic," but they are not part of the Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope.
Examples include:
Old Catholic Churches◦ These communities separated from Rome after the First Vatican Council (1870), especially over teachings concerning papal authority.
◦ They retain many Catholic traditions, liturgical styles, and terminology, but they are not in communion with the Pope.
"Catholic Church"◦ Founded in Spain in the 1970s around alleged apparitions at Palmar de Troya.
◦ It has its own claimed "popes" and hierarchy and is not recognized by the Catholic Church.
Independent Catholic Churches◦ These are groups founded by individuals who establish their own "bishops", dioceses, and churches without recognition or authority from the Catholic Church.
◦ Some use Catholic symbols, vestments, liturgies, and devotions, which can make them difficult to distinguish from authentic Catholic communities. Most are Sedevacant (believe there is a vacancy in the see of Peter).
Major Independent Sedevacantist: Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI): Headed by "Bishop" Mark Pivarunas and based in Omaha, Nebraska, operating numerous chapels and schools globally. Society of Saint Pius V (SSPV): Formed in 1983 after a split from the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), headquartered in Norwood, Ohio. St. Gertrude the Great: A prominent independent sedevacantist parish located in West Chester, Ohio, led by independent clergy.
National Catholic Church (Independent movements)◦ Some groups use this title while being separate from Rome.
◦ They often preserve Catholic-style worship but are not part of the Catholic communion.
Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church (Igreja Católica Apostólica Brasileira)◦ Founded in Brazil in 1945 by a bishop who separated from Rome.
◦ It uses Catholic language and traditions but is not united with the Catholic Church.
Catholic Apostolic Church (various independent groups)◦ Several unrelated movements use this name and claim Catholic identity but have no communion with Rome.
Traditionalist Independent Catholic Groups◦ Some communities have been disobedient to authority of the Pope and created their own structures while continuing Catholic liturgical practices. The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) is not in canonical communion with the Catholic Church. Its status is currently schismatic after disobedience to the Pope in consecrations of four bishops on July 1, 2026. They were excommunicated and their confessions and marriages invalid and their Masses illicit.
Important clarification:The 23 Eastern Catholic Churches (such as the Maronite Catholic Church, Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Chaldean Catholic Church, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, etc.) are fully Catholic because they are in communion with the Pope, even though their liturgies and traditions differ from the Roman Catholic Church. The Anglican Rite Ordinariate of the Chair of Peter is in communion with Rome.
The key question is not only "Does it look Catholic?" but "Is it in communion with the Catholic Church founded on the apostles and united with the successor of Peter
