By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, May 30, 2026: The Archbishop of Bombay has issued a “Pastoral Letter” warning the faithful about confusion surrounding “The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ” and stressing it “is not in full communion with the Catholic Church.”
Addressed “To, All the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Bombay,” Archbishop John Rodrigues in his pastoral letter said it was issued “in response to the recent queries concerning reports circulating on social media and in the print media.”
He cited Canon 205, writing: “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.”
He explained that “full communion with the Catholic Church therefore requires unity in: the profession of the Catholic faith, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical governance.”
The letter added that although the group uses the term Catholic, “it does not belong to the Catholic Church headed by the Roman Pontiff,” referring to Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025.
The archbishop warned that “participation in the liturgical services and reception of sacraments” outside full communion may place Catholics “in a situation contrary to the discipline.”
It concluded that those attending services with “The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ” do so “at their own spiritual risk.”
“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,” he added.
(Photo courtesy of Bombay Archdiocese)