Brief History of the ECC and SCF

Pre 2003

Peter Hickman ordained a bishop in the Old Catholic line of succession in 1995 while serving as pastor of St. Matthew’s, a parish in the Old Catholic tradition in Orange, CA.  St. Matthew’s establishes several missions.  These communities and others seeking affiliation with St. Mathew’s begin discussions about forming a national ecclesial organization.

2003

The Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) was formed by representatives of 11 founding faith communities on September 19, 2003, at a convocation hosted by Saint Matthew Church. A constitution for the ECC was ratified as the governing document of our national church body.

2004

In the spring of 2004, Frank Krebs, a former Roman Catholic priest, begins discerning with about 20 persons whether or not to form a local eucharistic community.  In September the group decides to merge with a group of persons meeting with Fr. Bob Blattner, one of the signers of the ECC constitution.  This new united group celebrates its first Eucharist on October 23rd at St. Steven’s Episcopal Church in Ferguson.

2005

In January the new group chooses a name, Sts. Clare & Francis.  Later that year it writes and ratifies a parish constitution.  Frank is incardinated at the Synod in Las Cruces in October.  Bob Blattner steps back from ministry to attend to family and professional demands.  Frank is chosen to be the Pastor of the new parish.

2006

In February Bishop Peter comes to Sts. Clare & Francis for our Parish Launch, where the newly elected parish council presented Frank Krebs to the Bishop for confirmation as the Pastor.

2007

In September Jessica Rowley is ordained a priest by Bishop Peter and named Associate Pastor.