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Adopted by the Council of Bishops of the Old Roman Catholic Church in North America, May 28, 1994, Revised May 17, 1996

The Old Roman Catholic Church in North America is a successor ecclesial body of the Old Roman Catholic Diocese of North America, established by His Grace, The Most Reverend Carmel Henry Carfora, S.T.D. in 1916. Recognizing its responsibility to work to repair the fragmentation and chaos that has occurred within the Old Roman Catholic Church since the death of our Primate in 1958, The Council of Bishops of the Old Roman Catholic Church in North America adopts the following criteria with which it will evaluate the feasibility of entering into relationships with other ecclesial bodies.

(1). In order for the Old Roman Catholic Church in North America to commence dialogue with other ecclesial bodies, the Prelates of that ecclesial body must demonstrate a valid Apostolic Succession "with no cloud on the title." That is, the claim to Apostolic Succession must be documented and the Prelates must not have engaged in the questionable practice of accumulating multiple lines of succession.

(2). The ecclesial body under evaluation must demonstrate that it is engaged in a viable ministry.

(3). The Prelates and Clergy of the ecclesial body under evaluation must demonstrate competence and professionalism that is consistent with the rank and office that they exercise:

A. There must be credibility as evidenced by academic credentials.
B. There must be a demonstration of orthodoxy and a clear understanding of Catholicity.
C. There must be a demonstration of ethical behavior.

(4). The ecclesial body under evaluation must demonstrate stability in its ministry and administration.

(5). The ecclesial body under evaluation must demonstrate a clear and fervent Christology and ecclesiology.

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