Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)

The Union of Utrecht is a federation of Old Catholic churches. These churches trace their origins to the Archdiocese of Utrecht, Netherlands, and its refusal to accept the decrees of the First Vatican Council of 1870, particularly the declaration of papal infallibility.

The Union of Utrecht was formally established in 1889 with the Declaration of Utrecht, which articulated the foundational principles of Old Catholicism. These principles include adherence to the faith and order of the undivided Church of the first millennium, recognition of the authority of ecumenical councils, rejection of papal infallibility as defined by Vatican I, and a commitment to collegiality and synodality in church governance.

The churches of the Union of Utrecht are in full communion with each other, meaning they recognize each other's sacraments and clergy. They also share a common liturgical tradition and theological understanding. While holding to many traditional Catholic doctrines and practices, they differ from the Roman Catholic Church on issues such as papal authority, mandatory clerical celibacy (which they allow), and the ordination of women (which is practiced by many member churches).

Member churches of the Union of Utrecht are located primarily in Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Croatia. Through full communion agreements, the Union of Utrecht is also linked with other Old Catholic and Anglican churches around the world, enabling intercommunion and cooperation. The Archbishop of Utrecht serves as the president of the International Old Catholic Bishops' Conference, the governing body of the Union.