What We Believe
The Church of Saint Raphael the Archangel National Catholic Church, icab, is a parish of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church (ICAB). In the United States, the ICAB is known as The National Catholic Church, icab.
Our Beliefs:
We are a validly consecrated Catholic community in apostolic succession. We celebrate the seven sacraments, recognize the authority of Scripture and Tradition, and center our life on the Eucharist.
We are guided by the principles of Carlos Duarte Costa, who founded ICAB in 1945 to reform church governance, increase pastoral care, and renew the Church’s commitment to the poor and marginalized.
How We Differ:
| Belief / Practice | Roman Catholic | Orthodox | National Catholic, icab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Apostolic Succession | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eucharist as Real Presence | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Married Clergy | No | Yes | Yes |
| Divorced & Remarried Receive Eucharist | No | Varies | Yes |
| Use of Vernacular in Liturgy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local Governance | No | Varies | Yes |
| Papal Infallibility | Yes | No | No |
| Inclusive Welcome | Varies | Varies | Yes |
We are fully Catholic and fully welcoming. We uphold the truth of the Gospel and the dignity of every human soul.