Our Pontiff

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His Holiness Pontiff Khern Oliver

His Holiness (H.H.) Pontiff Khern Oliver began his ecclesiastical career as a Vatican Franciscan, ordained into minor orders (1997), and as a Deacon and Priest (1998) in Derby England. He was initiated into the Sacred Order of Benedictine Brothers (2004), completed an Associate of Theology degree from the Wedgewood Seminary of the Order of Saint Thomas (2009), and was elevated to Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa, for earned merit) by the Chivalric Order of Saint Daniel (2010).

He was consecrated as a Bishop by the Old Roman Catholic Church in Lutterworth, England (2010), and elevated to Archbishop by Corpus Christi Ecumenical Fellowship (2011). He completed a Licentiate of Canon Law (J.C.L.) under an externship of Ignita Veritas University (2014), and was elevated to Cardinal of the Ancient Catholic Church (2014).

He was strategically vested with multiple lines of Apostolic Succession by the 12th century Independent Church Movement, the derivative 19th century Old Catholic Movement, and the resulting 20th century Liberal and Reformed Catholic Movement, as a figurehead to reunite all of these movements, which are recognized by the Vatican. This led to his founding the Independent Rite of Catholic Churches (2010), culminating in the full restoration of the 12th century Ancient Catholic Church (2015).

He now serves as the Supreme Pontiff (Pontifex Summus) of the 1st century denomination of Ancient Catholicism, as Pontifical Prelate of the Curia and College of Bishops of the 12th century Ancient Catholic Church. He thus serves as Head of State for the Church as a sovereign subject of international law.

As the Ancient Catholic Pontiff, he constitutionally holds the position of Grand Canon for the Order of the Temple of Solomon as a sovereign subject of international law, thus serving as a Member of Parliament (M.P.) in the upper house of government. As Grand Canon, he is the Chief Advisor to the Grand Mastery on all canonical and ecclesiastical matters.

Experience

Ancient Catholic Church - Pontifical Curia

Supreme Pontiff, Head of State, Cardinal, Exorcist

2014 - Present (11 years)

Elected and installed (2014) as canonical Supreme Pontiff (Pontifex Summus) of the restored 12th century Ancient Catholic Church of the 1st century denomination of Ancient Catholicism, thereby serving as Head of State of the Pontifical Curia.

The Ancient Catholic Church was restored to full legitimacy: Recovered archives for the Church (2013); Reestablished Apostolic Succession by reconnecting the 12th century Independent Church Movement with the 1st century denomination of Ancient Catholicism (2014); Reestablished Doctrinal Succession by restoring medieval heritage and archives (2015); Reestablished

Canonical Succession by reconnecting with the 19th century Old Catholic Movement (2015); Perfected Juridical Succession by reconnecting the Church with the Vatican Papal Bull “Omne Datum Optimum” of 1139 AD which recognized its inherent Pontifical authority carried by the Templar Order, and fully restoring its authentic practice of Canon Law (2016).

Sovereign Magistral Order of the Temple of Solomon

Grand Canon

2014 - Present (11 years)

As Supreme Pontiff of the Ancient Catholic Church, was constitutionally Installed (2013) as Grand Canon on the Grand Mastery of the restored Order of the Temple of Solomon, the direct continuation of the 12th century historical institution of the original “Knights Templar”, as a non-territorial Principality and sovereign subject of international law, thus serving as Head of State.

The Order of the Temple of Solomon was restored to full legitimacy: Re-established Magistral Succession by arranging Royal Protection from a dynastic line of King Fulk of Jerusalem recognized by the British Crown (2013); Re-established Doctrinal Succession by restoring medieval heritage and archives (2014); Re-established Canonical Succession by reconnecting

Templar Apostolic lines from the 12th century Independent Church Movement (2015); Perfected Juridical Succession by reconnecting the Order with the Vatican Papal Bull “Omne Datum Optimum” of 1139 AD which granted Tutela Protection of permanent statehood as a Principality, and fully restoring the Temple Rule of 1129 AD as its Charter (2016).

Independent Rite of Catholic Churches (IRCC)

Episcopal Prelate

2010 - 2014 (4 years)

Cardinal Khern was strategically vested with multiple lines of Apostolic

Succession by the 12th century Independent Church Movement, the derivative 19th century Old Catholic Movement, and the resulting 20th century Liberal and Reformed Catholic Movement, as a figurehead to reunite all of these movements, which are recognized by the Vatican.

Brotherhood of Saint Francis of Assisi (BSFA)

Vatican Franciscan Priest

1997 - 2014 (17 years)

Cardinal Khern Oliver began his ecclesiastical career in the Brotherhood of Saint Francis of Assisi (BSFA) of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican mission of the Franciscan Order from 1212 AD (recognized by the Bishop of Salisbury in communion with the Church of England in 1931 AD).

As a Vatican Franciscan he was ordained into minor orders (1997), and as a Deacon and Priest (1998) in Derby England. He was later initiated into the Sacred Order of Benedictine Brothers (2004), specializing in investigations of energy manifestations and exorcisms.

Cardinal Khern continued the Brotherhood of Saint Francis from Reverend Father Superior Thomas Aquinas (from 2004), becoming the lineal canonical successor as the last remaining survivor of that Franciscan Order (since ca. 2010). The juridical patrimony of the Brotherhood of Saint Francis thus became canonically vested in the Ancient Catholic Church through Pontiff Khern (from 2015).

About the Ancient Catholic Church

Fostering faith, inclusion, and compassionate service within a vibrant community and beyond.

Who Are We?

The Ancient Catholic Church is a community that proudly carries forward the rich heritage of the Roman Catholic tradition while embracing a spirit of inclusivity and family.

Governance

The ACC operates under a structured and inclusive governance model that reflects its commitment to apostolic tradition, pastoral care, and community engagement.

Archbishop Felix Gibbins is the spiritual leader and Primus of the Ancient Catholic Archdiocese of the United Kingdom, and the seventh successor of St Felix of Dunwich.

Meet Archbishop Felix

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Safeguarding Policy

Data Protection Policy

Spiritual Formation Policy

Our safeguarding policy reflects the Church’s mission to be a safe haven for all, especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Dedicated to protecting the privacy and personal data of its clergy, seminarians, staff, parishioners, and associated parties in accordance with (UK GDPR).

The policy is intended to nurture a deep, authentic relationship with God and to prepare candidates for a lifetime of service steeped in the wisdom of the Church Fathers/