Dr Harald Rein, Bishop of the Old Catholic Church in Switzerland, has decided in agreement with the International Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference that the Union of Utrecht is to end its mission with the Old Catholic parishes1 in Italy with effect from 1 July 2011. This is due to the problematic internal situation. Furthermore, the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht agree that they wish to focus their activities on their core areas. In cooperation with ecumenical partner churches, the parishes and their clergy in Italy will be offered a model that guarantees their continued pastoral care.
Bern, 21 June 2011
Maja Weyermann
Information and Communication Officer of the International Old Catholic Bishops’ Conference
1(The IBC) exercises jurisdiction over Old Catholic parishes and groups outside the local church of a member of the IBC or in formation, by commissioning a bishop to fulfill this task.