New church not in union with Rome

Published: June 16, 2007

Recently an advertisement began running in the Arkansas Times about a new "ecumenical catholic church" meeting in Little Rock. San Damiano Ecumenical Catholic Church meets each Sunday at St. Michael Episcopal Church in Little Rock under the leadership of Father Fred Ball, ordained for the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans.

Because this group advertises itself as being "catholic," the authenticity of this church has been questioned.

The official response of the diocese is as follows:

This church is not in any way connected with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock.

While it uses similar terms, like "Mass" and "Holy Eucharist," San Damiano is not under the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and maintains its own hierarchy and clergy apart from the Roman Catholic Church.

Catholics of the Roman Catholic Church are advised that it is not appropriate to participate in the liturgical rites of such churches.

-- Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, Administrator for the Diocese of Little Rock

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