The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch

The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch is one of the oldest, continuously functioning independent catholic groups (known as "jurisdictions)," in the United States.  It is also one of the few which has its own school for training, formation and education, Sophia Divinity School. 

The Church of Antioch, was founded by Herman Adrian Spruit (1911-1994).  Spruit, was born in a suburb of Berlin, Germany.  He was of Dutch Ancestry, his family being of Dutch Old Catholic extraction although his father, a tailor, had converted to Methodism while in Germany.

At age 17, Spruit immigrated to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, California.  He became a Methodist pastor and served the Methodist Church for nearly twenty years.  Yet he longed for the catholic ritual he remembered from the Old Catholic Church of his childhood.

He resigned his pastorate and began a process of several years of independent study of spiritual traditions.  During this time, he found that much of Theosophy and esoteric Christianity resonated within his spirit.  When he was again ready for ministry, he approached Bishop Hampton of the Liberal Catholic Church.  Bishop Hampton consecrated him to the episcopate on June 22, 1957.  Within a year, Archbishop Spruit founded the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch and served as its patriarch from its founding until his retirement.

Mary Louise Spruit (Reynolds), was enthroned as Matriarch on February 27, 1986.  She continued in that position until her retirement in 2005.

Richard Alston Gundrey, became Archbishop in 2005.  Using his extensive skills developed in the business world, he continued the growth of the church.

Mark Elliott Newman, was the first elected leader of the Church of Antioch.  He became Presiding Bishop in 2009 and continues to lead the church.

Contact

The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, welcomes your inquiries.  Our extensive website will provide further information about the church.   Those seeking ordination to the diaconate and priesthood are encouraged to contact us. 

The church's Sophia Divinity School, has an extensive curriculum for those seeking further spiritual growth as well as ordination.  The Church of Antioch does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation.  Contact:        https://www.churchofantioch.org