“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” -Luke 4:18-19
August 2, 2026
Feast of Saint Comgan the Culdee
Official Announcement:
Election of the Presiding Bishop and Acceptance of the 2026 Constitution and Canons
Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Feast of Saint Comgan the Culdee, a Special Session of the Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace was duly convened.
After reviewing the canonical history and present condition of the Church, the Holy Synod formally found the See of the Prince of Peace vacant. The canonical faithful then entered into conclave and, in accordance with the Constitution and Canons, unanimously elected the Right Reverend Abbot Bishop Brian Ernest Brown, CWC, to the See of the Prince of Peace.
By this election, Abbot Bishop Brian was chosen to serve as Bishop of the See of the Prince of Peace and Presiding Bishop of Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace. He also serves ex officio as Minister General of the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ. The Constitution provides that the Presiding Bishop bears the ecclesiastical style of Abbot Bishop by virtue of this office.
The Holy Synod also received and accepted the updated Constitution and Canons of Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace. These governing documents reaffirm the lawful and canonical name of the jurisdiction, its Free Catholic and Old Catholic inheritance, its congregational and synodical polity, and its commitment to embracing a Generous Orthodoxy and Thoughtful Inclusivity.
The Constitution further establishes that the Diocese of the Prince of Peace, acting through the Office of the Episcopal See, shall remain the administrative body of Christ Catholic Church and the seat of its primary ecclesiastical authority. The Diocese therefore serves the wider Province by preserving its canonical order, supporting its ministries, and administering the common life and work of the Church.
The following officers were elected:
Minister General
The Right Reverend Abbot Bishop Brian Ernest Brown, CWC
Provincial Definitor
The Reverend Deacon Lewis “Lughi” Carroll, CWC
Vicar General
The Reverend Father Drew Dickerson, CWC
Procurator General
The Reverend Father Rick Thomas, CWC
Secretariat General
The Reverend Deacon Bruce Davison, CWC
Together, these officers will share responsibility for the pastoral, administrative, financial, canonical, and missionary work of Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace. Their election establishes a renewed structure of collaborative leadership, mutual accountability, and faithful stewardship in service to Christ and His Church.
The Holy Synod also elected the Reverend Father John K. Blair, CWC, to serve as Chancellor of the Coworkers of Christ Institute and Seminary. In this role, Father John will provide leadership for the Institute’s educational and formational ministry as it prepares clergy, religious, and laypeople for thoughtful and faithful service within Christ Catholic Church and the wider Independent Sacramental Movement.
The date of the Special Session carried an unexpected and deeply fitting significance. Saint Comgan bears the title Culdee, a term received within our tradition as evoking a friend, companion, or coworker of God. The date had been selected before this connection was discovered, and its significance was received with humble gratitude by the Church and the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ.
In Attendance:
The Right Reverend Abbot Bishop Brian Ernest Brown, CWC
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The Right Reverend Dave Pflueger, Bishop Emeritus
Tacoma, Washington
The Reverend Father John K. Blair, CWC
Saint Louis, Missouri
The Reverend Father Drew Dickerson, CWC
Clovis, New Mexico
The Reverend Father Rick Thomas, CWC
Berryville, Arkansas
The Reverend Deacon Lewis “Lughi” Carroll, CWC
Marshfield, Missouri
The Reverend Deacon Bruce Davison, CWC
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Christ Catholic Church gives thanks to God for those who remained faithful through seasons of uncertainty and preserved the sacramental, canonical, and pastoral life of the Church. This Special Session marks not the creation of something new, but the faithful renewal and continuation of the historic jurisdiction entrusted to our care.
With the See of the Prince of Peace filled and the Constitution and Canons accepted, Christ Catholic Church Province of the Prince of Peace enters a renewed season of common life, pastoral ministry, sacramental service, and witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We ask the prayers of the wider Church for Abbot Bishop Brian, the clergy and faithful, the Sacramental Community of the Coworkers of Christ, and all those whom God may entrust to their care.
Jesus Cares ✛ Christ is the Center ✛ The Gospel is the Way
April 9-11, 2021
A gathering of the faithful canonical remnant of Christ Catholic Church Diocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, from April 9–11, 2021. During the gathering, Deacon Drew Dickerson was ordained to the priesthood.
At this gathering, conversations began concerning the continuation of Christ Catholic Church. The group began to discuss the blending of the Common Rule of Life of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart with the ethos and charism of the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion, giving shape to what would become a unique ecumenical monastic expression.
2019-2020
The website of Christ Catholic Church goes dark in 2019. A majority of clergy members of Christ Catholic Church reached out to Bishop Brian concerning the future of the Church. They expressed concern that they no longer felt welcomed within the jurisdiction and, in need of episcopal protection and pastoral care, asked Bishop Brian to continue serving as their bishop. Bishop Brian agreed to receive them under his care and to continue providing episcopal oversight, guidance, and support.
November 18, 2018
Bishop Brian Ernest Brown stepped aside from his leadership roles within Christ Catholic Church while remaining a bishop in good standing and a canonical member of the Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church.
Following his departure from administrative leadership, a vote was held to fill the vacant See with a successor. However, the vote did not achieve the strict unanimity required by the Constitution and Canons of Christ Catholic Church. Therefore, the See of the Prince of Peace remained canonically vacant.
July 20, 2018
Bishop Brian Ernest Brown and Bishop Dave Pflueger met in Port Townsend, Washington, to reflect upon the past and future of Christ Catholic Church and to discuss their respective ministries. Their conversation included the history of the Church, the challenges it has faced through the years, its present dilemma, and its historic place within the Independent Sacramental Movement in the United States.
During his time in the Pacific Northwest, Bishop Brian also met with several other bishops and clergy of the Independent Sacramental Movement, strengthening fellowship, renewing relationships, and building ministerial ties for the work ahead.
May 21, 2018
Bishop Brian Ernest Brown embarks upon an Episcopal Visit of the ministries and members of Christ Catholic Church in the western part of the United States meeting with several priests and bishops. He began his visitation with Fr. Rick Thomas, a priest of Christ Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
April 20, 2017
The 51st Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Diocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Eureka Springs Arkansas April 20, 21, 22, and 23 in the year of our Lord 2017.
November 15, 2016
Brother Drew Dickerson of Ellenton Florida has made application and been received into Christ Catholic Church. The good brother will continue his studies at Whithorn School of Theology toward eventual ordination or as the Holy Spirit calls.
September 16, 2016
It is with a heart full of joy that we announce that Fr. Rick Thomas has returned home to Christ Catholic Church! We have never ceased to be in dialogue with one another and over the last several months that dialogue has focused on where Fr. Rick felt God was calling him in regards to a church home, in particular to return to the Christ Catholic Church. And in truth, Fr. Rick felt as if he never truly left us. Welcome back Fr. Rick!
March 31-April 3, 2016
The Order of the Shepherd’s Heart hosted the 50th annual Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church on March 31, April 1, 2, and 3. in the year of our Lord 2016. This being our 50th Holy Synod we celebrated the Christ Catholic Jubilee of Compassion. The Holy Synod convened at 5pm on the evening of Thursday March 31st in Eureka Springs Arkansas dismissed by 2pm on Sunday afternoon April 3rd. All attendees had an encouraging and spirit filled experience.
April 16-19, 2015
The 49th Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
November 21-23, 2014
Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace will hold its 48th annual Holy Synod on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2014. Your presence and or prayer is requested.
Holy Synod will convene at 4pm on the evening of Friday November 21st in Eureka Springs Arkansas and will dismiss by 4pm on Sunday afternoon November 23rd. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
Please contact Bishop Brian Brown to RSVP. Thank you and God bless you!
November 9-10, 2013
The 47th Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
May 29, 2013
We are happy to announce the reaffirmation of our joint ministry in Canada with Bishop Brian Burch and the good people of the Ontario Old Roman Catholic Church (Christ Catholic Church in Canada). Historically they have been a part of Christ Catholic Church since April, 17, 1988 and we reaffirm and celebrate that relationship today. Bishop Brian Burch was ordained by Bishop Karl Prüter and eventually became the Presiding Bishop of the OORCC in February 2007.
The Ontario Old Roman Catholic Church entered into communion with Christ Catholic Church on 17 April 1988. In June 1989 the jurisdiction merged with Christ Catholic Church, taking on the name of Christ Catholic Church in Canada in addition to keeping its original name and charter of the Ontario Old Roman Catholic Church.
November 10-11, 2012
The 46th Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Eureka Springs Arkansas. Much was discussed about our relationship with the EFCC and the continuing work of St. Willibrord Press. The Constitution and Canons were amended through a unanimous vote and a good time was had by all who attended.
June 4-5, 2011
The 45th Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church and The General Chapter of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart was held in Eureka Springs Arkansas.
March 26, 2011
It is with bittersweet sorrow that we announce the death of Fr. Robert Christopher Howard of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart. Fr. Rob passed away after a long illness in Peoria, Arizona. May he rest in the love of the Lord he served so well. Well done faithful and good servant!
November 6-7, 2010
The 44th Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church and The General Chapter of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart was held in Branson, Missouri. We had a splendid, if tiring time this year, but as always it was worth it. It was so good to be with everyone, breaking bread together, sharing stories, laughing, crying, worshiping, planning, eating and what have you.
July 18, 2010
The Reverend Deacon Bruce Patrick Richard Davison, having shown himself to be of decent learning and ghostly counsel, was welcomed into the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart and ordained to the holy Order of Deacons and is given full and unrestricted faculties to exercise his vocation as a deacon in this Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace.
June 11, 2010
On this special day, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we would like to announce the launch of a new ministry for the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart and Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace, Celebrate Love. This new ministry is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the love that it holds for all people including the LGBTQ+.
Celebrate Love is dedicated to these people of faith who have been abandoned, thrown away, marginalized, and or abused by the church and her ministers. We stand with open and welcoming arms to welcome you back home to the heart of Christ. Not all Christian churches are full of hate, intolerance, and judgementalness – we certainly are not. We welcome you, and not just some of you but every one of you! Celebrate Love!
November 7-8, 2009
The 43rd Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church and The General Chapter of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart was held in Eureka Springs Arkansas. We had a splendid, if tiring time this year, but as always it was worth it. It was so good to be with everyone, breaking bread together, sharing stories, laughing, crying, worshiping, planning, eating and what have you.
May 1, 2009
The little wash-house once known as “The World’s Smallest Cathedral” at 405 Kentling Street in Highlandville Missouri has has ceased to be a cathedral. By virtue of the church and its bishop leaving the property it has been automatically de-consecrated and returned to secular use. It had been used by a bishop in the autocephalous sacramental movement to celebrate a sacramental ministry and offer the Holy Mass for 27 years, first by Bishop Karl Prüter of blessed memory and then by his successor in that place, Bp. Brian E. Brown, OSH.
As a worship group we have been asked to vacate the structure by the current owners as they seek to sell the property on the open market. Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace has no connection with said property or the contents thereof whatsoever and has vacated it as of May 1, 2009. We wish the current owners well in their endeavor to sell the property and thank them for the use of the wash-house during our short time there.
We will retain, as is our right, the name of the “Cathedral of the Prince of Peace” as an ecclesiastical organization within Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace and some day once again build a place for the people of God to worship with a bishop. Until then…
When a door closes, God often opens another. Worship services will continue at the chapel we’ve built inside the Branson Mill Craft Village and will begin this Sunday May 3, 2009 at 10 am. All are welcomed to attend. 3300 North Gretna Road Branson, MO 65616.
March 7, 2009
We would like to announce the associate membership of The Episcopal Ministries of Saint John the Evangelist and welcome its shepherd, The Right Reverend Dave Pflueger as a brother bishop to Christ Catholic Church.
August 30, 2008
A wonderful article about the Cathedral of the Prince of Peace and our attempt to preserve it was written by Linda Leicht in the Springfield News-Leader.
July 12, 2008
Radio Free Catholic is officially launched on Blog Talk Radio. Starting on Friday August 1st one hour talkshows will be broadcast via the internet every Friday evening at 10 pm. central time. Radio Free Catholic hosted on Live365 will continue its broadcast through a playlist rotation of talks, sermons, prayers, and music. These two different media platforms are offered as a source of continued outreach and evangelization for the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion.
April 22, 2008
The Reverend Father Robert Christopher Howard, having shown himself to be of decent learning and ghostly counsel, is given full and unrestricted faculties to exercise his vocation as a priest in this Church.
April 3, 4, 5, 6, 2008
The 42nd Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church and The General Chapter of the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart was held in Eureka Springs Arkansas. We had a splendid, if tiring time this year, but as always it was worth it. It was so good to be with everyone, breaking bread together, sharing stories, laughing, crying, worshiping, planning, eating and what have you. It was great to welcome a new member Sr. Virginia, into the Order of the Shepherd’s Heart.
March 31, 2008
The 2008 Directory of Autocephalous Bishops, published by St. Willibrord Press, is available for ordering for $14.95 plus shipping. Some of the changes you’ll notice in this year’s directory are: a more inclusive listing of bishops which include female bishops among others, international listings, and internet contact information. You may order copies of the 2008 Directory of Autocephalous Bishops by visiting: Cathedral Books and Gifts
March 25, 2008
Radio Free Catholic is launched on Live365.
February 24, 2008
Whithorn School of Theology was listed on Missouri’s Department of Higher Education on their “Welcome to Missouri” pages.
http://www.dhe.mo.gov/mdhe/boardbook2content.jsp?id=509
December 16, 2007
A memorial service was held for Bishop Karl Hugo Prüter in Highlandville Missouri.
November 24-25, 2007
The 41st Holy Synod of Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace was held in Highlandville Missouri. Much was discussed about Bishop Karl Prüter, of blessed memory, and his legacy, the future of the jurisdiction, the Constitution and Canons, and Whithorn School of Theology. A somber but good time was had by all who attended.
November 20, 2007
It is with great joy that we announce that the application for the exemption of Whithorn School of Theology by the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education has officially been approved. This means that legally WST is now at liberty to grant various undergraduate and graduate degrees and operate as a bona fide institution for high education (religious seminary) by the State of Missouri.
November 18, 2007
Bishop Karl Prüter went home to be with the Lord Sunday evening November 18, 2007 around 8 pm. His wife Teresa was with him and he was most assuredly surrounded by a great cloud of angels and saints. He fought the good fight and finished the race. Teresa was reading Psalm 23 and holding his hand and as she came to the end of the Psalm, he let go and flew to the arms of his Lord and Saviour. His death was peaceful and gentle, one we would all hope to be blessed with when our time comes. While he will be missed greatly, not one of us would rob him of a single second with his Lord Christ whom he loved so much. We give thanks for many things in his life but particularly we give thanks for his Christian witness and his dedication to the Old Catholic Movement.
September 20, 2007
Bishop Karl Prüter and his wife Teresa have officially moved to Colorado to be near family.
September 9, 2007
Wanting to impart his episcopal blessing upon Bishop Brian and his ministry, Archbishop Karl Prüter sub-conditionally consecrated Bishop Brian Ernest Brown on the Feast of St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, September 9, 2007 at the Cathedral of the Prince of Peace in Highlandville Missouri. Bishop Prüter then turned over his ministry at the Cathedral of the Prince of Peace, “The World’s Smallest Cathedral” and the episcopal protection of Christ Catholic Church Archdiocese of the Prince of Peace to Bishop Brian’s care and continued episcopal oversight.
Bishop Brian promised to continue on with the ministry at the Cathedral for as long as he was able and was given the antimension which had been given to Bishop Prüter by Archbishop Zhurawetsky at his consecration. Bishop Brian also agreed to take on much of the work of St. Willibrord Press as per Bishop Prüter’s request. He was then given most all of Bishop Karl’s library and other assorted items and ultimately entrusted with the safe keeping and care of the cremated remains of Bishop Prüter and family in the columbarium at the Cathedral property.
August 19, 2007
Bishop Brian Brown, Chaplain of the Cathedral of the Prince of Peace, humbly accepts Bishop Karl Prüter’s call to aid him in the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Cathedral.
For more information: