Independence Day Letter

 Sacred Worth, Shared Freedom

A Pastoral Letter for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (sic) are created equal, that they are endowed

by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit

of Happiness. From the Declaration of Independence, July 4 th , 1776

Beloved People of God and Dear Fellow Americans,

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the founding document of our great nation,

we find ourselves standing at a sacred intersection of gratitude, memory, repentance and hope.

This significant occasion absolutely invites celebration, but not a shallow celebration that ignores

the wounds of history or the struggles of the present. It calls us to give thanks for the promise of

liberty while also asking whether that promise has been shared fully, protected faithfully, and

extended courageously to all citizens and those who desire to become US citizens.

As Reformed Catholics and US citizens, we approach this national milestone with both love and

honesty. We give thanks for the ideals that have inspired generations: equality, liberty,

democracy, freedom of conscience, and the conviction that government must be accountable to

the people. We give thanks for the countless persons who have crossed oceans, borders, deserts,

and generations of struggle to help build this nation. We give thanks for immigrants who chose

this country, workers who sustained it, veterans who served it, teachers who formed it,

organizers who challenged it, and ordinary people whose daily faithfulness has helped America

become more fully itself.

Yet mature love does not require denial. True patriotism is not the claim that one’s country is

“great” or perfect. True patriotism is caring enough to help a nation become its best self,

starting with our neighbors and the least among us. The American story contains courage and

contradiction, beauty and brutality, aspiration and exclusion. Our Declaration of Independence

spoke of equality while slavery remained protected. The nation praised liberty while Indigenous

peoples were displaced, Black people were enslaved and segregated, women were denied full

civic participation, immigrants were scapegoated and workers were exploited.

This anniversary therefore cannot be only a happy birthday party for our nation. It must

also be an examination of conscience.

The promise of America has always been larger than America’s practice. Throughout these past

250 years, abolitionists, suffragists, civil rights leaders, labor organizers, Indigenous people,

immigrants, disability rights advocates, LGBTQIA+ activists, clergy, faith communities and

various movements for justice have insisted that liberty must become more than a word spoken

by the powerful. It must become a lived reality for those most at risk.

Our faith compels us to say clearly: Every person is sacred. Every life has inherent worth and

dignity. Freedom is not truly freedom when it is selective. Democracy cannot survive if some

people are treated as disposable, dangerous, invisible or less worthy of protection.

In this moment, we are especially mindful of LGBTQIA+ persons, particularly transgender and

gender-expansive people, who are facing escalating rhetoric, public humiliation, legal attacks,

threats to health care, and spiritual violence disguised as religious conviction. We bishops and

religious leaders reject every effort to use faith as a weapon against God’s beloved, in the

United States and everywhere.

We are mindful of immigrants, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented neighbors

who have too often been unjustly targeted, detained, separated from families, denied due

process, or treated as threats rather than human beings. Many came to the USA seeking safety,

work, freedom, and/or a future for their children. Their dignity is not diminished by their

paperwork or lack thereof. Their humanity is not subject to political convenience. A nation built

by immigrants must never forget the sacred courage of those who journey in hope.

We are mindful of the unhoused and housing-insecure, who are often criminalized for poverty

rather than sheltered with compassion. No person or family should be treated as a public

nuisance because they lack a safe place to sleep. The measure of a society is not found in how

comfortably the powerful live, but in whether the vulnerable are protected, housed, fed and seen.

We are mindful of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander and other individuals or

communities harmed by racism and white supremacy. We are mindful of people with disabilities

whose freedom requires accessibility and inclusion. We are mindful of workers denied fair

wages, health care, safety and rest. We are mindful of women and all people whose bodily

autonomy and health care are threatened. We are mindful of religious minorities and people of

no religious affiliation who deserve freedom of conscience without coercion by Christian

nationalists or any other form of religious domination. We are mindful of those impacted by

addiction, incarceration, mental illness, violence, and social abandonment.

The Declaration of Independence’s promise must be measured not by how it sounds in

ceremonies or sound bites, but by how it protects the people who are most easily ignored.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not permit us and our fellow Christians to separate prayer from

public responsibility. Jesus did not proclaim good news as an abstraction. He touched bodies, fed

crowds, welcomed outcasts, confronted hypocrisy, and announced liberation to those held

captive by systems of exclusion and fear.

Therefore, on this 250th anniversary of the founding document of democracy in the USA

and elsewhere, we call the Reformed Catholic Church and all Catholic/Christian churches

to renewed public witness.

We call our parishes, missions, clergy, lay leaders, and communities to create visibly safe and

affirming spaces where all people can bring their whole authentic selves before God. “Welcome”

must be more than a word on a sign; It must be embodied in language, leadership, pastoral care,

worship, education, accessibility and courageous advocacy.

We call our faith communities to practice trauma-informed ministry. Many who come to the

Church carry wounds from domestic violence, racism, poverty, family separation, homo- or

transphobia, religious condemnation and/or social abandonment. Trauma-informed care is not

an optional skill for pastors. It is a moral and spiritual imperative.

We call all people of faith in the USA to resist the aberration of Christian nationalism and every

ideology that confuses domination with discipleship. No nation or political party “owns” the

Gospel. Our loyalty to Christ requires us to seek the common good, defend the vulnerable, tell the

truth, and refuse the temptation to turn the Gospel or our faith into a tool of exclusion.

We call all people of conscience to defend democracy by defending human dignity. Voting rights,

free expression, public education, access to health care, immigrant justice, housing justice, racial

justice, labor rights, reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ and marriage equality, and freedom of

conscience are not isolated concerns. They are woven together in the fabric of a society that

either honors its citizens’ sacred worth or betrays it.

We call our communities to embrace joy as resistance. Movements for justice cannot survive on

outrage alone. Pride, music, worship, friendship, shared meals, storytelling, recreation and

celebration are not distractions from liberation. They are signs that fear has not won. Joy declares

that the people whom hatred has tried to erase are still here, still beloved, and still building a

hopeful future.

We also call for rest, nourishment, and healing. The work before us is great, but urgency must not

consume the bodies and spirits of those who labor for justice. Rest is resistance. Healing is holy.

Community care is part of the work of freedom.

As we remember 250 years of the American story, we do so with gratitude for what has been

noble, repentance for what has been harmful, and hope for what remains possible. The American

experiment is unfinished, but it is still worth believing in when we are willing to tell the truth,

repair what has been broken, and widen the circle of belonging.

The next chapter of this nation will not be written by nostalgia; it will be written by the choices

we make now. It will be written in how we treat the immigrant at the border, the transgender

child in the classroom, the unhoused neighbor on the street, the worker without a living wage,

the impoverished family seeking health care, the vulnerable elder person living alone, the person

being released from prison, those who have been impacted by gun violence, and every person

whose dignity may be debated by others but is already known to God.

This is our charge. This is our sacred work. This is the freedom we are called to share.

May God bless the citizens of these United States of America with truth, humility, courage and

compassion. May God strengthen us to love our country honestly, serve our neighbors faithfully,

and build a future where liberty is not the privilege of some but the birthright of all.

Given by the Bishops and Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church

July 4 th , 2026

Father's Day Letter

 Letter from RCC

June 21st, 2026 Dear Siblings—and Fathers--in Christ, As we celebrate Father's Day in the USA and several other countries, we give thanks for the many fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have helped shape our lives. Some taught us through their words, but many taught us through their example—through ordinary acts of love, sacrifice, perseverance and care that became lasting lessons. For many, a father or grandfather was the one who taught practical skills and important values: honesty, responsibility, kindness, and perseverance. The lessons that remain with us longest are often not those we were told, but those we witnessed. Scripture reminds us that God is loving, compassionate, patient, and faithful. The psalmist writes, "As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him" (Psalm 103:13). While no human parent can perfectly reflect God's love, fathers and grandfathers are given the sacred opportunity to help others experience something of that divine care. Children often form their earliest understanding of God through the people who love them. When fathers model patience, children learn patience. When they demonstrate integrity, humility, forgiveness and compassion, they teach lessons that can guide a lifetime. The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity offers an important vision for family life. God is not isolation but communion—Father/Creator, Son/Redeemer, and Holy Spirit/Sanctifier united in perfect love. Families are called to reflect that same spirit of relationship, mutual respect, and self-giving love. Authentic fatherhood is not rooted in domination or control but in service, presence, and shared life. Because of this, fathers are called to be spiritual leaders—along with their spouses or co-parents-- within their homes. Through prayer, participation in the life of the Church, conversations about faith and daily witness, they help nurture the spiritual growth of their families. Children need more than material support; they need examples of faith, hope, and love. When fathers are present and engaged they help create homes where faith can flourish. The Gospel presents us with the model of Jesus, who welcomed children, listened to the overlooked, welcomed the outcast and taught that true greatness is found in service. Fathers who seek to follow Christ are called to embody those same values. The measure of fatherhood is not status or authority but the willingness to love generously, listen attentively, forgive readily and serve faithfully. Saint Paul encourages us: "Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of God" (Ephesians 6:4). In a world that can often be harsh and divided, fathers have the opportunity to create spaces of safety, encouragement, and hope. Children may forget many words, but they rarely forget who was present for them during life's important moments. Similarly, grandfathers convey the stories and wisdom of previous generations to their grandchildren. That being said, we recognize that Father's Day can be difficult for some. Not every experience of fatherhood has been marked by love, acceptance and support. Some carry wounds caused by absence, abuse, neglect or broken relationships. Others grieve fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have died. To all who carry such burdens, the Reformed Catholic Church extends compassion and prayer. The Gospel assures us that God's love is greater than every human failure. As the psalmist declares: "Though my father and mother forsake me, God will receive me" (Psalm 27:10). God's love remains constant, and healing always remains possible. We also wish to honor those who live the vocation of fatherhood beyond biology or even gender: adoptive and foster fathers, stepfathers, godfathers, uncles, mentors, teachers, coaches, clergy and countless other “fathers” whose guidance and care have changed lives. They remind us that fatherhood is ultimately determined not by genetics but by love. As fathers, grandfathers and father figures seek to live their vocation, may they draw strength from the divine love of God. May Saint Joseph--faithful guardian of the Holy Family--intercede for them, and may God bless them abundantly. With gratitude for all those who nurture, guide and love their children, we offer our prayers and blessing. Happy Father’s Day! The Bishops and Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church reformedcatholic.org

Statement of the Bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church Condemning the Violent Incursion into Venezuela

  OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP  Reformed Catholic Church 

 www.reformedcatholic.org 

January 4th, 2026 

19 E. Eldridge Street Manchester, CT 06040 562-708-7198 

Statement of the Bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church Condemning the Violent  Incursion into Venezuela 

As Christians throughout the world continue to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we  bishops are compelled to raise our voices in clear and unequivocal condemnation of the violent  incursion into the sovereign nation of Venezuela on January 3rd, 2026, which was carried out on  orders from the sitting President of the United States and his cabinet members. 

Such acts of violence stand in direct contradiction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the heart of the  Christmas mystery is God’s radical decision to enter human history not through domination or  force, but through vulnerability, humility and love. Any action that advances political, ideological or economic aims through violence betrays this Gospel witness and wounds the dignity of the  human person, who is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). 

We acknowledge with pastoral honesty that the people of Venezuela themselves hold profoundly  mixed reactions to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. For some, his departure has been  met with relief after years marked by repression, corruption and deep economic suffering. For  others, it has brought fear, grief, anger and a sense of national violation. The Church does not  dismiss these divergent experiences. Rather, we hold them together in prayer, recognizing that  cries for freedom and cries against violence often arise from the same wounded reality. No  political outcome can justify the means by which it is achieved when those means involve  bloodshed, kidnapping and terror. 

Scripture is unambiguous in its rejection of violence as a tool for resolving conflict. “Put your  sword back into its place,” Jesus tells Peter, “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword”  (Matthew 26:52). The prophet Micah envisions God’s reign as one in which nations “shall beat  their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword  against nation” (Micah 4:3). Any armed action that spreads fear, destabilization and death stands  in direct opposition to God’s will and to our Christian vocation to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). 

We grieve especially the loss of life and the many injuries caused by the explosions in Caracas.  Each death is an irreparable tragedy. Behind every number is a human face: a child, a parent, a  neighbor, a worker beloved by God. Violence, even when justified in the language of liberation or  security, always exacts its heaviest toll on ordinary people. The Lord hears the cry of the poor  (Psalm 34:6), and the Church must never be silent when actions intensify that cry.

Beyond its moral failure, this incursion constitutes a serious violation of international law. The  Charter of the United Nations explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial  integrity or political independence of any state (Article 2, Section 4). The principles of sovereignty  and non-intervention exist precisely to prevent the suffering and chaos that inevitably follow  unlawful acts of aggression, particularly for vulnerable populations. 

We further note that such actions may violate the laws of the United States itself. Federal statutes,  including those commonly known as the Neutrality Act, prohibit unauthorized military expeditions  against nations with which the United States is at peace. Moreover, the U.S. Constitution reserves  the authority to declare war to Congress (Article I, Section 8). Violence carried out beyond lawful  authority undermines democratic accountability and the rule of law. 

That this violence was carried out by a foreign power—and the nation of which most of us bishops  are citizens--deepens its moral gravity. No nation has the right to impose its will upon another  through force, regardless of how unjust or dysfunctional a government may be. History repeatedly  demonstrates that foreign military intervention erodes trust, destabilizes societies, and leaves  lasting wounds on national dignity and self-determination. The future of Venezuela must be  shaped by the Venezuelan people themselves. 

Pope Paul VI’s enduring insight remains true: “If you want peace, work for justice.” Justice cannot  be achieved through covert operations, armed incursions, or the infliction of terror. It is achieved  through dialogue, respect for sovereignty, adherence to law and genuine solidarity with those  who suffer. 

We therefore call upon the leadership of the United States, and upon all governments and  international actors, to reject violence, to respect international and domestic law, and to recommit  themselves to peaceful and diplomatic solutions. We urge the faithful to pray for the people of  Venezuela, for an end to foreign interference and internal violence, and for leaders everywhere to  choose the difficult but holy path of peace. 

May our Lord Jesus Christ, who was born into a world marked by occupation and injustice, soften  hardened hearts and guide nations away from violence and toward reconciliation. 

The Bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church

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New Women's Group

 Greetings my friends

I would like to share some of the feedback and questions I have received from other women with regards to a women’s order or sisterhood. One personal note, I benefitted from a group of women at the manufacturing plant I worked at when I was young. I feel that a sisterhood like that also includes spiritual growth, so both spiritual and personal growth would be our goals.

1. Why start a new order when there are orders out there already?

Answer: There are wonderful women’s orders out there and we in a way are looking at Sisters of Charity, begun by St Marguerite D’Youville. Yet those that I have had conversations with want to be sure that when other women look us up, they do not discount our order because of the limitations, (real and perceived), that those orders have. One important point is that we would fully accept LGBTQ+ 

2. Aren’t you being exclusive in a church that promotes inclusion?

Answer: Although men are going to be welcome, it must be understood that it will be prioritized that it is a woman designed sisterhood. We recognize that many other women’s religious orders and societies are designed and overseen by male leaders. 

Let me share a recent accidental experiment that happened. I was with a group of people (male and female with some who are gay) having a discussion about a women formed and led sisterhood. I shared how in my career I experienced different work environments made up of; equal numbers of men and women, or mostly women, or mostly men. I expressed how women act very differently in each environment (men do as well but for this I am only focused on women). The present day discussion went well. Then the men left (they had other commitments) and we women talked for another 20 minutes. Then one woman stopped us and was surprised that we had indeed begun to act differently. It was neither good nor bad, it was just different. Women have been suppressed from full expression that we hope men, even gay men, will be supportive.

3. How is the Order going to be different from the men’s?

Answer: The best way to explain it is that men line up and women go in a circle. Again I will use my own personal experience to help. 

Looking back on my childhood I noticed that most of the time female teachers like doing breakout sessions in circles while male teachers had us in rectangles (or 2 lines facing each other). 

Another Biblical example is the crossing at the Red Sea. In Exodus we “see” the line of people crossing but after they have crossed and the water returned, it is the women that dance and some translations say they danced in a circle.  It may be that ‘in a circle’ is removed because dancing in a circle becomes synonymous with pagan rituals. 

4. I don’t know that I am called to be a nun really, but a woman’s group sounds interesting.

Response: There are 2 responses for this;

Belonging and taking vows can be 2 different steps in your faith journey and each of us has our own journey. Those of us that have started talking about this Women’s Order feel that vows are personal. 

This is also the developing stage and we would like to gather more points of view, address more questions and hear from more women. Your level of commitment is up to you and can change as your life changes. Also we are still working on what we want for meetings, for outreaches, for gatherings and/or retreats and how much of it we can do online? These are only some of the possibilities we are working on.

5. What about those that identify outside the gender binary? 

Answer: If that person is comfortable to collaborate in a feminine tone with a bunch of women (at least during this development stage), they are welcome. As I indicated above, after this development period there would be open gatherings and events open to all people. One purpose is that it helps develop more communication between the feminine and masculine within the RCC, not separate into a splinter group.

6. I am interested so how do I get started and connect?

Email me at revlinda1221@gmail.com

or

Text me at 702-807-2615

Share your thoughts, questions and or ideas. 

Share this with other women

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP

Reformed Catholic Church

www.reformedcatholic.org

19 E. Eldridge Street

Manchester, CT 06040

562-708-7198

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Pastoral Letter in Observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Adopted by the Holy Synod of the Reformed Catholic Church, 

October 4th, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As leaders of the Reformed Catholic Church, we feel compelled to address the grave issue of domestic

violence, which affects countless individuals and families within our communities. Domestic violence

is a profound violation of human dignity and a grave sin against the sanctity of life and the love that

God intends for all relationships.

Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over

another person. This includes:

· Physical Abuse: Any act of physical violence, including hitting, slapping, pushing, and strangulation.

Physical abuse often leaves visible marks, but even when it does not, the trauma inflicted can be deep

and long-lasting.

· Mental Abuse: Psychological tactics that undermine an individual's sense of self-worth, such as

constant criticism, humiliation, and manipulation. Mental abuse can be insidious, eroding a person's

confidence and sense of reality over time.

· Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, including marital rape and sexual

coercion. Sexual abuse is a profound violation of a person's autonomy and bodily integrity.

The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm

inflicted on victims. It disrupts families, affects children, and undermines the fabric of our

communities. Children who witness domestic violence are at risk of developing emotional and

behavioral problems, and the cycle of abuse can perpetuate across generations.

A Scriptural Response

In the Gospel of John (John 4:1–26), Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well, a woman burdened

by broken relationships and social stigma. He does not condemn her but offers her living water,

affirming her dignity and inviting her into healing and truth.

In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, who stops to care for a man beaten

and left for dead. Unlike the religious leaders who pass by, the Samaritan binds the man’s wounds and

ensures his safety. This is the model for our response to domestic violence: not avoidance, but active

compassion and intervention.

In John 8:1–11, when a woman caught in adultery is dragged before Jesus, he refuses to participate in

her public shaming. Instead, he challenges the crowd: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be

the first to throw a stone.” Jesus protects her from violence and restores her dignity. His words,

“Neither do I condemn you,” are a call to mercy, justice, and transformation.

We also hear the call of wisdom in Proverbs 31:8–9:

“Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This is our mandate, to be a voice for those silenced by fear

and trauma, and to defend the dignity of every person.

And we remember the mission of Christ in Luke 4:18–19:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has

sent me to proclaim release to the captives... to let the oppressed go free.” Domestic violence survivors

are among the oppressed whom Christ came to liberate. The Church must be a place of refuge, healing,

and justice.

Call to Action

In light of the pervasive and destructive nature of domestic violence, we urge local and state

governments—and truly everyone—to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the support system

for victims. This restructuring should aim to provide a coordinated, fully funded multi-agency approach

where victims can access all necessary services under one roof. This includes:

1. Legal Assistance: Providing victims with access to legal advice and representation to help them

navigate the complexities of the legal system and obtain protection orders.

2. Medical Care: Ensuring that victims receive prompt and compassionate medical attention for their

physical injuries and ongoing health needs.

3. Psychological Support: Offering counseling and mental health services to help victims heal from

the trauma of abuse and rebuild their lives.

4. Safe Housing: Providing secure and confidential housing options for victims who need to escape

their abusers and start anew.

Our Commitment

As a Church, we commit to playing an active role in addressing domestic violence within our

communities. Our commitment includes:

1. Raising Awareness: We will educate our congregations about the signs and consequences of

domestic violence. Through sermons, workshops, and educational materials, we will foster a deeper

understanding of this issue and encourage a culture of zero tolerance for abuse.

2. Providing Support: We will offer pastoral care to victims of domestic violence, providing them

with spiritual guidance and emotional support. Additionally, we will connect victims with professional

resources, including counseling services and support groups.

3. Advocating for Change: We will work with community leaders, policymakers, and other

organizations to advocate for a more effective support system for victims. This includes lobbying for

legislative changes, supporting funding for domestic violence programs, and promoting collaboration

among agencies.

Compassion and Justice

We call upon all members of our Church and society to stand in solidarity with those who suffer from

domestic violence. Let us offer them the love, support, and resources they need to find safety and

healing. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where victims feel safe to come

forward and seek help without fear of judgment or retribution.

Domestic violence is a grave injustice that we must confront with compassion, determination, and a

commitment to justice. By working together, we can create a society where every individual is treated

with dignity and respect, and where the sanctity of life and love is upheld.

Let us pray for the strength and wisdom to support those affected by domestic violence and to work

tirelessly towards a future free from abuse.

Sincerely in Christ,

The Bishops, Clergy and Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church