TACLOBAN CITY – The Diocese of Borongan has raised concern over a religious group operating in parts of Eastern Samar that it says is misleading the faithful by imitating the practices and attire of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a circular released on June 25, Bishop Crispin Varquez cautioned parishioners about the activities of a group known as the Apostolic Catholic Church (ACC)—also referred to locally as Apostolika’t Katolikang Simbahan or Simbahang Apostolika Katolika—which has reportedly been conducting religious services in several barangays, including Bato, Pinanag-an, and Baras in Borongan, and in Guiuan town.
Founded in 1992 by John Florentine Teruel, the ACC is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the bishop clarified.
Bishop Varquez said the group’s ministers have caused confusion among residents due to their vestments, which resemble those worn by Catholic clergy.
“While we respect their right to practice their religion, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our Catholic identity,” the bishop wrote in the circular.
He urged Catholics to avoid participating in ACC-led religious activities, especially the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and reminded the faithful that only chapels and churches under the Roman Catholic Church are authorized for official sacraments and liturgical functions.
“We must educate ourselves about the teachings of the Church while embracing the richness of our Catholic traditions,” he added, calling for renewed faith formation amid growing religious pluralism.
The advisory has been circulated across parishes under the diocese as part of a broader initiative to address doctrinal confusion brought about by groups claiming Catholic identity without Vatican recognition.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
