1. What makes the Liberal Catholic Church of Saint Stephen International different to The Roman Catholic Church?

• We are an Independent Catholic Church with NO links to the Roman Catholic Church whatsoever and we do not share a lot of their opinions on a number of issues such as the ordination of women clergy, neither do we share their opinions about people from the LGBTQIA2S+ community  In fact we openly welcome queer people as much as anybody. Our church is fully inclusive and has an open door policy, for all are welcome at the Lord's table. Whether that be as a member of clergy or as a member of the congregation.

What is our view on Conversion Therapy ('gay cure')?

• Our official opinion is set out in a document which we commissioned from an Independent Bishop and Professor in Poland to write for us. We have used this document in several government consultations as we believe it to be the best position to take. You can read it by clicking here - Gay cure statement

• This practice is inhumane and violates all Peoples' inalienable human rights to be who they are and it must be ended. 

What's the church's opinion on abortion?

• A woman's body is hers and it is she alone who should decide.

• Whilst every child is a holy gift and the highest honour a woman can ever have bestowed (& that in no way is meant to 'lessen' those amongst us who cannot conceive/carry babies, and all life is precious, they will be certain occasions where decisions HAVE to be made, (particularly on medical safety grounds). Then it is understandable that 3rd parties may have a duty to be involved. However, the role of the church is to pray for and support all those involved, NOT to enforce an ideology or bias on the parent/s.

What Liturgy does the Church use and why?

• We prefer The Liturgy according to The Liberal Catholic Church, Fifth Edition which was released in 1963. published by The Saint Alban's Press of London England. 

• We use this liturgy because it is the closest fit to what our church beliefs are liturgically and also because it is really beautiful. Also it is easy to teach anyone that comes into the church as an Ordinand.

• However if you come into the church and already use a different liturgy in your own ministry and devotions, that is fine by us.

Can your Clergy in the UK marry people, 

• As a rule no unless we have marriage licenses as registrars as is the same in all faiths in the UK apart from the state church (C of E) or the 'church' has a licensed registrar on their team (usually the minister's spouse or church secretary etc).  However you can nip off down to your local registry office with your two witnesses, have your civil marriage certificated, then our clergy will be delighted to bless your civil wedding before God, in a venue of your choice, with a religious service.