A small orthodox Catholic church, twice removed from the Roman
Catholic Church, has done last Saturday what the larger church won't:
consecrate a female bishop.
At 2 p.m., the Ohio Orthodox Catholic Church promoted a priest, Barbara Martzall, to the rank of archimandrite bishop.
The
fledgling church has about 150 members in four locations nationwide.
Its cathedral is Our Lady of Peace Church, 119 Wocher Ave., Sayler Park.
About
70 percent of its members are former Roman Catholics.
The Ohio church
split from the larger Orthodox Catholic Church movement.
"I am not
concerned about not being recognized by the Vatican," said Archbishop
Charles Smith, 60, a former Roman Catholic. "I am much more concerned
with being recognized by the gospel."
The new church does not recognize the central rule of the Vatican. It will ordain married, single, male or female clergy.
"We
are inclusive, pretty much will accept anyone where they are," Smith
said. "We don't force a lot of rules and regulations on people. We walk
with them as they are."
The church services are called a Mass.
It
roughly follows the Roman form but will allow all people to receive the
Eucharist - not just church members or people of this specific church.
"Confession is optional," Smith said. "Our language is much more inclusive."
Clergy are all-volunteer.
Smith works full-time as a programmer for an automotive company.
Martzall, 61, the incoming bishop, works for a fire investigation company in Three Rivers, Mass.
The opportunity to serve in a larger role is a welcome challenge, she said.
"It's a nice fit for me," she said. "There are no judgments. Everyone in the church is open and loving."
SIC: CC/COM