(Logo from Archdiocese of Cotabato FB)
MANILA – The Archdiocese of Cotabato has warned the clergy and the faithful against international church groups that are operating in the archdiocese.
In advisory posted on its social media account on Tuesday, Archbishop Angelito Lampon said they have received information and complaint against a Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church and other groups such as the Old Roman Catholic and Old Roman Catholic Churches operating in the area.
“Due to confusion made by misleading information and semblance of practices, vestments, and other liturgical activities apparently identical to the Roman Catholic Church, some members of our lay faithful have participated in their services and their ministers have been asked to chapels for funeral rites and other liturgical activities,” added the archbishop.
Lampon noted that these organizations are not in communion with the Catholic Church.
“We would like to inform that these groups separated from the see of Rome and are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” he said.
“They are not part of 23 other Eastern Catholic Churches which are in full communion and have recognized the authority of the Pope. The sacraments that they administer are, therefore, dubious, and illicit,” the head of the Archdiocese added.
At the same time, he required priests in the archdiocese to inform the public regarding the matter.
“We oblige our parish priests to inform our faithful for proper guidance concerning the matter especially our chapel and BEC (basic ecclesial communities) leaders and to instruct our parish secretaries to assist all those requesting priests for the celebration of the sacraments and sacramentals,” the Catholic prelate said. (PNA)
