Old Catholics
the name assumed by a body of German priests and laymen who refused to accept the dogma of Papal Infallibility, and, in consequence of its definition, formed themselves into a separate body. It was essentially a university movement, for the German who left Rome to avoid voting-Hefele among the number-afterward submitted. Van Schulte, a professor at Prague, published a formal protest; then came the Nuremberg protest of "Catholic professors" (August, 1870).
Father Hyacinthe's "Appeal to the Bishops" followed in "La Libertà" early in 1871, and (March 28) Dr. Döllinger set forth his reasons for withholding his assent. Döllinger and Friedrich were immediately excommunicated. In September following, a congress was held at Munich, when it was resolved to seek reunion with the Greeks. In 1872 a second congress was held at Cologne. On Aug. 11, 1873, Dr. Reinkens was consecrated at Rotterdam by Dr. Hey de Kamp, Jansenist Bishop of Deventer, and, in 1876, Dr. Reinkens consecrated Dr. Herzog.
The first synod (1874) made confession and fasting voluntary; the second (1875) reduced the number of feasts, and admitted only such impediments to marriage as were recognized by the State; the third (1876) permitted priests to marry, but forbade them to officiate after marriage. This prohibition was annulled by the fifth synod (1878), and, in consequence, Friedrich, Reusch, and some others withdrew. Congregations of Old Catholics exist in Austria, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France, and Mexico, but their numbers are small.