Our Presiding Bishop & Council of Bishops

Bishop James Long was born in Louisville, Kentucky and he grew up in a conservative, Roman Catholic devoted family who never missed Mass on Sundays.   He served as an Altar boy for his parish and Bishop Long knew that he wanted to be a Priest when he was 5 years old.  His calling has never wavered and in fact, increased as he aged. 

Bishop Long entered the Roman Catholic Seminary and studied for 6 years.  He received his Minor Orders and studied with the Benedictines and Jesuits.  During graduate seminary, Bishop Long began hearing the call from God to serve within the Old Catholic Church.  This was not an easy decision for him to make considering that his family were devoted Roman Catholics and his parish was incredibly happy to have a seminarian representing them.  

However, through prayer and discernment, the Bishop felt that God was calling him to serve everyone; regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious affiliation.  He knew that God was pulling him into a different direction and therefore, he accepted Gods call and was ordained a Deacon, Priest and consecrated to the Episcopacy within the Old Catholic Church.  

Today, he serves as the Abbot for the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary and as the Presiding Bishop for the United States Old Catholic Church.  

Bishop Long has the following earned degrees:

Doctorate of Ministry

Master of Divinity

Master of Education

Master of Business

Bachelor of Journalism/Communications

Associate of Philosophy