About Us
The earliest adherents to the teachings of Christ were originally known as "Nazarenes," a term referencing the home (i.e. Nazareth) of Jesus. Acts 11:26 notes that the Nazarenes were first called Christians in Antioch, Syria (present-day Turkey). The Free Church of Antioch traces its origins to the rich theological legacy that emerged from this great ancient city and its environs.
Christian tradition, supported by the testimony of various early Church historians including Jerome, Ambrose, Gregory Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom, affirms that the Apostle Thomas engaged in extensive missionary activity throughout Syria and eventually made his way to southern India where the Syriac-Indian Christian tradition, described in the apocryphal Acts of Thomas, was established. This community holds that Thomas was martyred on Saint Thomas’ Mount, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The Thomasine tradition strongly emphasizes mystical experience and an esoteric approach to scripture and spiritual expression. While more traditional, exoteric churches also developed as a result of Thomas' missionary efforts, many within his communities preserved and practiced the inner teachings originally conveyed to the disciples (e.g. Mark 4:11 & 33-34), and further elaborated by the Apostle Paul. The Free Church of Antioch represents a contemporary expression of this rich tradition of direct, inner mystical experience.
St. Thomas, by
Peter Paul Rubens
The Free Church of Antioch is an independent sacramental episcopate comprised of deacons, priests, and bishops holding eleven valid lines of apostolic succession. A significant line of succession is derived from the Syro-Malabar tradition of Thomasine Christianity. Another important line originates with the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Despite sharing many common lines of succession, traditions, and practices, The Free Church of Antioch is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church or any Orthodox Patriarchy. While the Church celebrates its apostolic lineage, it was also established as a "church of the heart" that recognizes the inner priesthood of all who follow Christ (1 Peter 2:5 & 9).
The Reverend Warren Prall Watters
Founding Archbishop, FCOC
The early roots of what would eventually grow into the Free Church of Antioch may be traced to a meeting between Warren Prall Watters (1890-1992), an educator, musician, and student of religious studies, and Dr. Edwin B. Beckwith, a Chicago physician and bishop in the Liberal Catholic Church. Bishop Beckwith served as Rector of an LCC congregation in Villa Park, Illinois, and became an early mentor of Watters. Following a period of discernment, Watters answered the call to ministry and was ordained by Beckwith in June of 1927.
Watters was an avid student of all aspects of religious studies including Christian mysticism, Western esotericism, and comparative religion. He was a regular contributor to The American Theosophist where he provided reviews of the writings of such figures as Henry Steel Olcott, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Alice Bailey. Watters prided himself on conducting some form of research each day of his life, and continued this practice during his centenarian years.
In 1967, the LCC elevated Watters to the position of Vicar General where he conducted administrative duties on behalf of the diocesan bishop. He proved highly efficient in this role and was appointed Bishop-Elect in 1970. Despite such accolades, Watters struggled to reconcile certain aspects of LCC doctrine with his own theological research.
Eventually, Watters found these differences untenable, thereby effecting his resignation from the LCC. This break led to a period of deep soul-searching eventually culminating in his alignment with the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch which was established by Archbishop Herman Adrian Spruit during the 1950s.
During the early 1970s, Watters and Archbishop Spruit engaged in a number of conversations regarding the manner in which Watters might continue his ministry. The two shared many common interests and possessed similar views regarding the importance of mystical experience and the role of women in the Church. Spruit was also impressed with Watters' extensive research background and believed that he would find a comfortable home in the CACA. On April 28, 1973, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Santa Barbara, California, Watters was formally consecrated to the Episcopate by Archbishop Spruit. This consecration placed Watters in the apostolic line of Mar Julius I, Metropolitan of Goa and Ceylon, Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.
Watters' administrative and research talents were quickly recognized by Archbishop Spruit, and he was soon designated Bishop of California. While in this role, Watters also served as co-Rector of Santa Barbara’s Holy Spirit Church of Antioch. In 1975, he founded the Center for Esoteric Studies, a non-profit research organization with the stated mission of investigating and reporting upon a vast array of mystical and esoteric subjects. These investigations were published in a quarterly journal entitled, The Esoteric Review. Watters would be elevated to the office of Archbishop of the CACA in 1986.
Mar Julius I
Metropolitan of Goa & Ceylon
In addition to his ministerial vocation, Watters was a gifted musician, conducting studies in the United States and Europe. These studies included voice instruction at Drake University, Grinnell College, the University of California, the University of Chicago, and the Conservatory of Music in Paris, France. In recognition of his achievements in the field of music, Watters was granted the honor of accompanying noted soprano, Madame Elfrieda Wynne, on piano during her sensational performance at the San Francisco Exposition Auditorium. Among the many additional artists Watters accompanied include the Dutch celloist, Cornelius Van Fleet, and vocalists Herbert Miller, Alexander Bavani, and Louis Graveure. He would also serve as Director of Music for the Palo Alto City School System, and regularly conducted recitals for the students, faculty, and staff of Stanford University.
Archbishops Warren & Ellen Watters
The Free Church of Antioch
Watters possessed a kind and gentle presence that was immediately perceptible to all who enjoyed the pleasure of knowing him. He maintained a firm desire to encourage and support those around him. Among the many significant relationships that Watters would develop included that of acclaimed researcher and author, Manly P. Hall, founder of the Philosophical Research Society and author of the classic text on Western esotericism, The Secret Teachings of all Ages. Watters and Hall shared many common interests and maintained a close friendship throughout their lives.
Archbishop Watters founded the Free Church of Antioch in Santa Barbara, California, on October 4, 1992. The FCA remains part of the Malabar Rite community. One of the guiding principles driving the formation of the Church was Watters' conviction that men and women should serve equally in ministry, thereby creating a more balanced priesthood. Archbishop Watters passed away shortly after forming the Free Church of Antioch. Watters' wife, Archbishop Ellen Watters, immediately assumed leadership responsibilities.
Archbishop Ellen, as she was affectionately called, was much admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She provided keen wisdome and insight to those seeking her counsel. She regularly planned and organized many ceremonies and ordinations conducted at Lighted Way Chapel housed at FCA headquarters. She remained active and vibrant throughout her life, and was fully engaged in the day-to-day administration of the FCA until her death on January 12, 2002.
Upon the death of Archbishop Ellen, the FCA's governing board transferred leadership responsibilities to Archbishop Michelina T. Foster, who had previously served as secretery in residence to Archbishop Ellen and assisted with her care in later years. She was an administrator of the Church and regularly conducted services at Lighted Way Chapel.
Under her able leadership, the Free Church of Antioch grew and prospered with ministries established throughout the United States and Europe. Archbishop Foster founded the Desert Light Chapel, a vibrant wedding ministry located in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has joined over 12,000 couples in matrimony throughout her years of pastoral service.
An avid traveler and author, Archbishop Foster has been featured in newspapers articles, television shows, and podcasts. She has also published numerous books on spiritual and inspirational topics. She is perhaps best known for her sometimes humorous, often unpredictable, but always entertaining wedding ministry memoir, I Do in Las Vegas.
Archbishop Foster possesses a lifelong passion for music and songwriting. Her vast catalog of compositions includes over 300 songs and a number of CDs. She received special recognition for her recording of Desert Rain, a composition of original piano pieces.
Archbishop Ellen, center, and Bishop Foster, second from right
Early Free Church of Antioch Clergy Group Photo
Archbishop Foster would shepherd the Church until 2022 whereupon she made the difficult decision to retire from active leadership of the FCA. Archbishop Maureen Heffernan-Rich was elevated to the office of FCA Presiding Bishop and all leadership responsibilities transferred to her care.
Presiding Archbishop Maureen Heffernan- Rich with The Reverend Timothy Zach
Archbishop Maureen Heffernan-Rich is the founder of St. Francis Chapel in Windham, New York. She is the mother of two children and is a certified master in the Japanese healing art of Reiki. A published author, Archbishop Maureen has written several books including, Lost And Found: A Foster Child Finds her Way “Home” Through a Career of Kennel Stewardship, Groomer, Dog Warden and Trainer, for which she has received noteworthy acclaim.
Archbishop Maureen has taught music for many years on several instruments including piano, flute, and guitar. Her lifelong love of animals led to the establishment of a board, groom, and train kennel. The facility has also served as a canine rescue and rehabilitation center for over 30 years. She initiated and served as moderator of the Sacred Kundalini mailing list for 20 years. She remains enthusiastic about leading the Free Church of Antioch during this exciting period of growth and renewal. Archbishop Heffernan-Rich is available for consultation and correspondence via email.
What We Believe
While firmly anchored in the teachings of Christ, the Free Church of Antioch permits great latitude in terms of theological orientation and ministry praxis. Gender is not a criteria for ordination, and candidates for the clergy are individually reviewed and approved by the bishops of the Church. FCA ordination is understood in terms of initiation into the Western wisdom mysteries, and thereby a vocation centered upon the pursuit and sharing of ancient truths -- particularly the esoteric heritage of the ancient Thomasine tradition.
Following the example of the Apostle Paul, ordained clergy remain individually responsible for their own financial support and establish ministries that reflect one's individual calling. Members of the FCA enjoy broad liberty in terms of doctrinal beliefs, creedal affirmations, and scriptural interpretation. Church teachings are derived from traditional and esoteric Christianity, literature from the major religions of the world, and Western mystical and esoteric thought. Consequently, the full theological spectrum is represented among FCA clergy. Despite such broad diversity, FCA clergy celebrate one another's differences and place mutual love and respect above theological argumentation. Additionally, certain general principles of belief, though not mandated, may be noted among esoteric episcopates within the greater Malabar Rite community including the following:
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That Malabar Rite Christians are mystical in theology, while ecclesiastically sacramental;
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That God's existence is immanent, transcendent, and non-dual;
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That the human soul is presently in union with God;
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That the human soul is capable of awakening to a realization of this unity;
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That while prayer, devotion, and worship aid in preparing the mind for awakening to the reality of union with God, it is not human effort, but rather, realization that reveals that which is already a present reality;
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That the realization of union with God is salvation;
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That Jesus Christ provided the requisite teachings and example to aid the human soul in the attainment of salvation;
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That the Apostolic tradition, through the administration of the sacraments, provides a conduit for preparing the mind for understanding the meaning of salvation.
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That the love of, and service to humanity form the fundamental basis for spiritual enlightenment.