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*** In EMMI Independent Catholic jurisdictions, governance structures differ significantly from the Roman Catholic Church, so a local district, synod, or clergy council appoints a Metropolitan Archbishop rather than the Pope. Because Independent Catholicism comprises many distinct autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each jurisdiction operates under its own unique code of Canon Law.

Synodical Selection: Many Independent Catholic jurisdictions use a synodical governance model in which the clergy, and sometimes laity, of a specific district or diocese vote on or appoint their leadership.

Autonomy from Rome: Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, where the Pope has sole authority to appoint bishops and archbishops, Independent Catholic bodies maintain local autonomy, allowing the district or province they oversee to have the final say in their appointment.

Valid Lines of Apostolic Succession: While the district makes the administrative appointment, the Archbishop’s spiritual authority is still established through the laying on of hands by other validly consecrated bishops, maintaining Apostolic Succession.

See Decretum de Statu Ecclesiastico, Primatu et Auctoritate, in Let be known to these presents may concern: III Of the Title of Metropolitan Archbishop.

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• Act of Catholic Ecclesial Alignment
• Apostolic Mission and Jurisdiction Charter
• Decree Establishing the Official Seal and Instruments of Authority
• Decree of Primatial and Episcopal Authority
• Decretum de Statu Ecclesiastico, Primatu et Auctoritate

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NOTE: The page Decretum de Statu Ecclesiastico was published on April 6, 2026. Only Cameroon appears; as for South Africa, the metropolitan jurisdiction was established August the 9th, 2026 and Nigeria on August 26, 2026.

On May 6, it is also the feast of François-de-Montmorency-Laval (fr).