13/05/2026
The Catholic Universalist Church stands within a historic stream of Apostolic Succession that traces back to the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht in the Netherlands, one of the oldest continuing non-Roman Catholic episcopal traditions in the world. Through this succession, the Church preserves the ancient catholic heritage of bishops, sacraments, liturgy, and apostolic ministry while embracing a spirit of inclusivity, compassion, and universal reconciliation.
This lineage passed through notable bishops such as Gerardus Gul, who in 1908 consecrated Arnold Harris Mathew as the first Old Catholic Bishop for Great Britain. That consecration became a historic turning point for Independent Catholicism in the English-speaking world, allowing Apostolic Succession to spread into new communities outside the jurisdiction of Rome while maintaining sacramental continuity.
From Bishop Mathew, the succession flowed into the Liberal Catholic and Independent Catholic traditions through figures such as James Ingall Wedgwood, who helped establish a church deeply rooted in catholic worship while also embracing mystical spirituality, freedom of conscience, and universal truth. Through this stream came bishops such as Charles Hampton, who would later consecrate Herman Adrian Spruit.
Bishop Spruit became an important figure in the Independent Sacramental Movement and passed the Apostolic Succession to Lewis S. Keizer of the Home Temple. Through Bishop Keizer, the lineage continued to George Kuhn, the first Presiding Bishop of the Catholic Universalist Church and one of the foundational leaders who shaped the church’s identity and mission.
By the grace of God, this Apostolic lineage eventually reached the shores of the Philippines through the ministry of Joseph Albert Rholdee D. Lagumbay.
The journey formally began in November 2014, when he was ordained to the Sacred Order of Subdeacon. This marked the beginning of a life devoted to the altar, liturgical service, pastoral care, and ministry to God’s people. In April 2015, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, receiving the authority to celebrate the Eucharist, administer the Sacraments, preach the Gospel, and serve communities seeking spiritual guidance, healing, and acceptance.
His ministry became especially dedicated to those often marginalized, rejected, or spiritually displaced, proclaiming a message centered not on fear, condemnation, or exclusion, but on the boundless mercy and universal love of Christ.
Then in October 2023, during the Feast of Teresa of Ávila, he was consecrated to the Sacred Episcopate as Bishop of the Catholic Universalist Church. The timing of this consecration carries deep spiritual meaning. St. Teresa of Ávila was a great Catholic mystic, reformer, contemplative, and Doctor of the Church whose writings emphasized the soul’s union with Divine Love. Her spirituality reflects the mystical and sacramental heart of the Catholic Universalist tradition.
From Utrecht to Britain, from the Liberal Catholic tradition to the Home Temple stream, and finally to the Philippines, this Apostolic lineage continues as a living witness to the enduring presence of catholic sacramental spirituality beyond institutional boundaries.
Today, the Catholic Universalist Church continues its mission in the Philippines through the celebration of the Eucharist, inclusive ministry, spiritual formation, contemplative and mystical spirituality, and the proclamation of hope in the universal reconciliation of all creation in Christ.
A sacred lineage continues.
A ministry of compassion continues.
And the light of Christ continues to shine through the Church and its people. ✠
