Archdiocese of Bombay Clarifies Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ Not in Communion with Catholic Church

Mumbai, May 30, 2026: The Archdiocese of Bombay has issued a pastoral directive clarifying that the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ (ECCI) is not part of the Catholic Church led by Pope Leo XIV, following confusion caused by social media posts and reports surrounding the organisation.

The clarification comes after the ECCI promoted a “Grand Protest” scheduled for June 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Promotional material circulating online featured Bishop Donald Rodrigues and called on Christians to participate in a demonstration against alleged injustices and atrocities faced by the Christian community.

In a pastoral letter dated May 25, Archbishop John Rodrigues stated that, despite using the term “Catholic” in its name, the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ is not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church and does not fall under the ecclesiastical authority of the Pope.

Citing Canon 205 of the Code of Canon Law, the Archbishop explained that full communion with the Catholic Church requires unity in faith, sacraments and Church governance under the Roman Pontiff and bishops in communion with him.

“The Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ is not in full communion with the Catholic Church under the leadership of the Successor of St Peter, Pope Leo XIV,” the Archbishop said. He further noted that the organisation’s use of the word “Catholic” does not signify affiliation with the Catholic Church headed by the Roman Pontiff.

The Archdiocese also cautioned Catholics against participating in liturgical services or routinely receiving sacraments through communities that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church, warning that such participation would be contrary to Church norms.

While acknowledging that the Catholic Church recognises the validity of certain sacraments administered by some non-Catholic churches, the Archbishop stressed that such recognition does not amount to ecclesiastical communion or permission for regular participation in their sacramental life.

The pastoral letter urged the faithful to remain rooted in the teachings, sacramental life and governance of the Catholic Church, particularly amid what it described as an age of confusion and misinformation. Catholics with questions regarding the organisation have been advised to seek guidance from their parish priests or contact the Archdiocesan Chancery.

Church officials said the clarification was issued in response to growing enquiries from Catholics seeking clarity about the organisation’s status and its relationship with the global Catholic Church.

Archdiocese of Bombay Clarifies Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ Not in Communion with Catholic Church

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