The ANCC rejects significant parts of the entire Roman Catholic
deposit of faith; it diverges from Roman Catholics regarding the
ordination of women and in the realm of
sexual morality. It does, however, hold belief in the
Trinity, a form of
apostolic succession, the
salvific act of Christ, the
economy of salvation,
Mariology, and the number of sacraments. Although regarding itself as a contemporary expression of an ancient faith, it departs in many ways from the Roman Catholic Church. While it respects the Bishop of Rome, considering him "first among equals", it does not acknowledge his
primacy or
infallibility. Since its founding in 2009, the ANCC has embraced a path of intentional growth in recognition that many other Independent Catholic jurisdictions failed because they concentrated on quantity at the expense of quality. The early stages of the Church's development focused, consequently, on establishing a strong foundation and solid infrastructure, both aimed at ensuring the Church's future. The American National Catholic Church states that it measures its growth in terms of four general aims: • to further the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom; • to support missionary work; • to be involved in the planting and strengthening of local churches; and • to edify and strengthen believers through Christian fellowship, the liturgical celebrations of the seven sacraments, and the ministry of the Word of God. The ANCC is congregational rather than hierarchical. The ANCC allows qualified women and gay persons to receive
holy orders. Believing that the lived experience of married life can be an invaluable gift for ministry, the ANCC also welcomes married clergy. The ANCC recognizes same-sex marriage. ==Clergy training==