Apostolic Succession

The apostolic succession of the Bishop of the American Ecumenical Church, The Most Rev. Dr. Lorraine J. Bouffard, Diocese of Connecticut, is derived from Carlos Duarte Costa, a Roman Catholic bishop in Brazil (1888-1961). Carlos Costa was born in Rio de Janeiro, ordained a priest in 1911, and consecrated a bishop in 1924 by Roman Catholic Bishop Sebastiao Leme De Silveira Cinta of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. In June of 1945, as the Titular Bishop of Maura, he was excommunicated by the Vatican for his involvement in an anti-papal campaign which alleged its conspiracy with Italian fascists. The following month, Bishop Costa founded the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church.       

Bouffard was ordained a priest in 1994 by Bishop Mark Steven Shirilau of the Ecumenical Catholic Church and consecrated a bishop in 2000 by Bishop Richard John Cardarelli of the American Apostolic Catholic Church, who was consecrated in 1995 by Bishop Shirilau. 

Bishop Mark was consecrated on May 19, 1991 by Bishop Donald Lawrence Jolly, who was consecrated on June 25, 1980 by Bishop Antonio Pietroburgo of the American Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC).

Bishop Antonio was consecrated by Bishop Giuseppe Santo Eusebio Pace (AOCC), who was consecrated in 1978 by Bishop Milton Cunha (AOCC).

Bishop Milton  was consecrated 1960  by Bishop Carlos Duarte Costa of the Igreja Catolica Apostolica Brasiileira, formerly the Roman Catholic Bishop of  Botucatu, Brazil.*        

*History and Overview of the Ecumenical Catholic Church. (1985-1995) by the Most Rev. Mark Steven Shirilau, Ph.D. (Healing Spirit Press: 1996)

The legislative authority of the American Ecumenical Church is vested in the Diocesan Church Council, which consists of both elected laity and clergy who meet quarterly to make decisions regarding church matters. By invoking the Holy Spirit to enlighten us, we seek to be a church in constant reformation, bringing about the kingdom of God here on earth. 

In that the life and teachings of Jesus emphasizes God’s inclusive love, mercy and forgiveness, all are therefore included in the life, worship and sacraments of this church. We feel especially called to serve those who have been marginalized by church and society.

As an ecumenical church, we include from other religious traditions sacred writings, prayers, rituals and art forms that are relevant and meaningful. Adherence to specific theological doctrines is a matter of individual understanding or belief. What is right or wrong is a matter between God and the individual’s informed conscience.