Protestant 66-book canon in most branches; deuterocanonical status varies
The Old Catholic Church in most branches uses the Protestant canon of 66 books (39 OT, 27 NT), distinguishing it from Roman Catholicism which includes deuterocanonical books in the biblical canon. However, there is some variation: certain national churches (particularly those with historical ties to German Protestantism) employ the Protestant canon, while others show openness to deuterocanonical books in theological discussion.
The Old Testament canon is debated: some branches follow the Hebrew canon (39 books, excluding Apocrypha), while others acknowledge value in the deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, additions to Daniel and Esther) without necessarily treating them as fully canonical. These books are recognized as helpful for doctrine and spiritual instruction but are not binding for faith and practice in the same way as the Hebrew scriptures.
The New Testament canon of 27 books is universally affirmed as the apostolic writings. The difference from Roman Catholicism is intentional: the Old Catholic Church rejects Vatican I's infallible magisterium determining doctrine and canon, instead allowing Scripture to be primary while permitting theological discussion of traditional sources. This reflects the church's commitment to apostolic faith without Roman papal pretensions.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- varies — Protestant canon in most branches
- Deuterocanonical status:
- varies by branch — some accept deuterocanonicals
- Additional scripture:
- none beyond biblical canon
- Canon open:
- closed
Scripture References
Sources
- Utrecht Union Synodal Statements (1889-present)
- Reusch, Franz H. 'Scripture and Tradition' (1894)
- Old Catholic International Congress Statements