American National Catholic Church gathers in Maryland for 2026 convocation

The American National Catholic Church will gather in Maryland next week for its 2026 National Convocation, marking the first major assembly of the independent Catholic denomination since its founding in 2009.

The three-day event in Rockville, just outside Washington, D.C., brings together clergy and lay leaders from congregations across 15 states. Delegates will discuss governance, theology, and outreach, including potential changes to church structure and policies on women’s ordination and LGBTQ inclusion. The convocation reflects the church’s growing footprint as a progressive alternative to the Roman Catholic Church, drawing disaffected Catholics seeking more inclusive worship.

The American National Catholic Church split from Rome after the 2002 sexual abuse scandal and later the 2015 Synod on the Family, which reinforced conservative stances on divorce and same-sex relationships. Its leaders say membership has grown steadily, with about 30,000 adherents today. The Maryland convocation will elect new officers and consider constitutional amendments. One proposal would formally allow women to serve as priests, a practice already permitted in some dioceses.

Organizers call the gathering a turning point for the denomination’s future. A resolution to join the worldwide Anglican Communion is expected to dominate debates. If approved, it would align the church with a global network of 85 million Christians. The outcome could reshape its identity and outreach, especially among younger Catholics disillusioned with traditional institutions. The event also comes ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, where issues like religious liberty and LGBTQ rights remain contentious.