Cotabato City - The Archdiocese of Cotabato has issued a warning to its clergy and faithful about the presence and activities of international church groups operating within the archdiocese. Archbishop Angelito Lampon, in an advisory posted on social media on Tuesday, raised concerns about groups such as the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church and Old Roman Catholic Churches.
According to Philippines News Agency, Archbishop Lampon reported receiving information and complaints about these groups, which have caused confusion among the faithful due to their similar practices, vestments, and liturgical activities that resemble those of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, some lay members have participated in their services, and their ministers have been invited to chapels for funeral rites and other activities. Lampon clarified that these organizations are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, having separated from the see of Rome. He emphasized that these groups are not part of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches that are in full communion with the Pope, rendering the sacraments they administer dubious and illicit. To address this issue, he obliged parish priests in the archdiocese to inform the public about these groups for proper guidance, especially among chapel and basic ecclesial community leaders. Parish secretaries have also been instructed to assist those requesting priests for sacraments and sacramentals.