The New Apostolic Church has its roots in Catholicism, but more directly from the Catholic Apostolic Church, from which it separated in 1863.
The NAC is an international denomination that was formed during a schism in Hamburg, Germany. The Christian body considers itself to be a continuation of the Early Church, and its leaders the successors of the Twelve Apostles.
In England, in 1832, the newly formed Catholic Apostolic Church called twelve men as apostles, who traveled around the world preaching that the Catholic Church had deviated from its origins, and that the apostolic ministry was necessary for the Universal Church to be restored to the perfect state required for Christ's return. When three of these apostled died in 1855, the remaining nine declared that there was no reason to call new apostles.
When a Hamburg congregation defied this declaration and argued for the necessity of replacing the three who had died, that congregation was expelled from the Catholic Apostolic Church.
Thus, the Hamburg congregation split off from the CAC to form the General Apostolic Congregation in 1863. Shortly afterward, other congregation joined them and the New Apostolic Church was established.
Over the years, there were separations from the New Apostolic Church, including the Restored Apostolic Mission Church, Old Apostolic Church, and the United Apostolic Church.
Today, the denomination exists in more than one hundred and eighty nations, which are divided into eighteen district apostle areas, with its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
The New Apostolic Church practices three sacraments: Baptism, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion.
They practice baptism of believers. Children who are baptized must later confess the baptism by confirmation at the age of fourteen to sixteen. Baptisms performed by other Christian churches are recognized as long as they are performed with water.
Holy Sealing is the dispensing of the Holy Spirit, and it is through this act that the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, which represents the strength of God rather than the third person of a Triune God. Holy Sealing is performed through prayer and the laying on of hands by an apostle.
Holy Communion is celebrated during every service as a feast of joy and thankfulness. Communion preserves the eternal life of the soul, allowing it to remain in the fellowship of life with Jesus Christ.
The New Apostolic Church is premillennial. teaching that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent, and the goal of a Christian is to be prepared to be the Bride of Christ when He returns. Upon Christ's return, His Bride will be raptured. Following this, there will be the marriage of the Lamb and a Great Tribulation on earth. Then Christ will return again, bringing His congregation. Satan will be bound, and there will be a resurrection of those who were martyred during the Great Tribulation. There will be a 1,000-year kingdom of peace on earth under the rule of Christ. After that will come the Last Judgment, and the new creation.
The spiritual leadership of the New Apostolic Church are called Apostles, who necessary for the preparation of their members for the goal of faith, which is to be led into the eternal community with God at the Second Coming. This is paramount to the theology of the denomination.
The Apostles are viewed as the successors to the first Apostles of New Testament times. These Apostles are the only ones left on earth who have the power to forgive sins and to baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Apostles are therefore necessary for salvation.
A controversial feature of the New Apostolic Church is its doctrine relating to the dead. The practice of the church includes a special service of intercession for the dead that takes place three times a year. In this service, the Apostles administer the sacraments to a living subsidiary minister. There are no limitations to whom, amongst the dead, may be baptized by Apostles. It is therefore possible for those who are dead to find grace before God, and have their sins forgiven.
The Church considers life to begin with fertilisation, after which each embryo deserves urgent protection.
Suicide is considered to be a sin. However, the position of the Church is that no one has the right to condemn someone who has committed suicide, as only God is able to determine all the factors involved.
On the subject of homosexuality, the Church maintains that only God can determine to what extent, a person is guilty before God through the practice of homosexuality. However, practicing homosexuals may not carry out ministerial duties, although they may serve in other capacities, including teaching Sunday School children.
The New Apostolic Church is neither Catholic or fully Protestant, but it is one of the Holiness churches.
Recommended Resources
Life Line to Members of the New Apostolic Church
Created by a former priest of the New Apostolic Church, and who grew up in the denomination, but resigned after personal studies of the Scriptures, and now opposes the denomination, the site includes the author’s personal testimony, a critical study of its doctrines and teachings. Articles on a variety of topics related to the denomination are also included, along with Bible study tools, book recommendations, and contacts.
http://www.lifelinetonac.com/
Available in English, French, Spanish, and German, NAC Today is an online portal carrying abridged reports of divine services of the New Apostolic Church around the world, as well as announcements, information from the Chief Apostle, and reports on events relating to district churches with international relevance. Topics include church history and news of the people and events of the Church.
http://nac.today/en
Congregations of the New Apostolic Church in Canada are congregated in the region of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Member churches are listed and displayed on an interactive map. An overview of what to expect during a New Apostolic Church service is featured, including the role of music in the church. Denominational leaders, administrative contacts, and an introduction to its beliefs and practices are included.
http://www.naccanada.org/
New Apostolic Church East Africa
The missionary work of the New Apostolic Church in East Africa was begun by District Apostle Michael Kraus from Canada more than forty years ago, and the denomination currently has members in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. The history and reports on its work in each of these areas, and elsewhere in East Africa, are put forth, along with a photo gallery, activity schedule, and contacts.
http://www.nac-ea.org/
New Apostolic Church International
Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the denomination was formed from the Catholic Apostolic Church in 1863 and led by apostles. The official denominational site offers a profile of the Church, a history of the Christian body, its organizational structure and ministries, sacraments, divine services, pastoral care, and church activities. Member churches and districts around the world are highlighted and press information is posted.
http://www.nak.org/
The NAC-Malaysia consists of about twenty congregations in West Malaysia, which is affiliated with the New Apostolic Church International, headquartered in Switzerland. Some of its congregations are listed, with addresses and contacts, and its youth programs and ministries are highlighted. Issues of its publication, Community, may be viewed online. Other resources include a history of the Church’s work in Malaysia, its organizational structure, and contacts.
http://nac-malaysia.org/
New Apostolic Church United Kingdom & Ireland
The work of the New Apostolic Church in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are featured here, including a history of the international denomination, its doctrine, beliefs, and practices. Member churches may be found by country and city, including locations, maps, service times, and contacts for each. Affiliated ministries and organizations are included, with links to websites, when applicable.
http://www.nacukie.org/
The New Apostolic Church has been active in the United States for more than a hundred and forty years. A history and overview of the international denomination as well as the US district are put forth, including an overview of its beliefs, faith, and mission. Its charitable ministries and its policies on a variety of issues, such as the status of LGBT members within the Church, including its Rainbow-NAC group.
http://www.nac-usa.org/
