PASTORAL LETTER - The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ

To, All the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bombay

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

This Pastoral Letter is issued in response to the recent queries concerning reports circulating on social media and in the print media about "The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ" and its status vis-à-vis the Catholic Church headed by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

Canon 205 of the Code of Canon Law clearly states: Those baptised are in full communion with the Catholic Church here on earth who are joined with Christ in his visible body, through the bonds of profession of faith, the sacraments and ecclesiastical governance.

Full communion with the Catholic Church therefore requires unity in: the profession of the Catholic faith, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical governance under the Roman Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him.

It is pertinent to note that the Catholic Church is comprised of 24 autonomous churches: the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, all in communion with the Pope.

Based on the above, and after due inquiry and consultation, I wish to categorically state that "The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ" is not in full communion with the Catholic Church under the leadership of the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV. Although the said body uses the word "Catholic" in its title, it does not belong to the Catholic Church headed by the Roman Pontiff.

I also wish to remind the faithful that participation in the liturgical services and reception of sacraments in communities not in full communion with the Catholic Church may place them in a situation contrary to the discipline and communion of the Catholic Church.

While the Catholic Church recognizes the validity of certain sacraments in some Churches, this recognition does not imply full ecclesial communion or permission for ordinary participation in their sacramental life.

Hence, Catholics attending services and receiving sacraments in "The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ" are doing so at their own spiritual risk and contrary to the norms and discipline of the Catholic Church. In an age of confusion and misinformation, we must remain rooted in the authentic teaching, sacramental life, and ecclesial communion of the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

Should any members of the faithful have doubts or require clarification regarding this matter, they are encouraged to approach their parish priest or the Chancery at the Archbishop's House.

Entrusting all of you to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, I pray for God's blessing on all of you.

Given at Mumbai May 25, 2026

✠ John Rodrigues

Archbishop of Bombay

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