See Ind-Movement.org
for "Your complete guide to the world of autocephalous (independent movement)
churches", a comprehensive (and well maintained) list of Old Catholic and other
independent churches. Ind-Movement.org is maintained by Rev. Tony Begonja.
See "Not in Communion" at Anglicans Online! for a further listing of
independent Anglican churches.
New policy in effect immediately: Due to the large number of
links that are submitted for this page that become dead within weeks or months,
requests for new links will be set aside for six months. If a link remains
active after six months, it will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in
this list. Dead links will be removed as soon as they come to our attention.
We will not include links to groups that "sell" ordination, or that do not
list their parishes, chapels, or missions. Please inform the of any corrections, revisions, or broken links.
A note on nomenclature
We use the term "independent episcopal churches" advisedly. We do not mean
that these communities are affiliated or have any resemblence (historical or
otherwise) with the Episcopal Church or the Anglican Communion. The term refers
to church order. These are episcopally-ordered churches. The churches listed below share some common
characteristics:
they have a three-fold order of ministry (deacon, priest, and
bishop) or at least some semblance of this ancient order;
they claim that their bishops belong to the historic
episcopate through a valid apostolic succession;
in most cases, they are not in communion with the churches
listed on the Catholic, Anglican, or
Orthodox pages of this website.
These
churches are sometimes called autocephalous, however this should not imply
that they are in communion with other churches in the
parent traditions.
These churches are also called "independent catholic churches." This does not
necessarily imply that these churches are part of the Western tradition. This is
meant in the sense of the Nicene Creed, in which Christians profess that the
church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
As a website, we struggle with two ecumenical principles:
Each community should be
allowed to describe itself to others according to its own self-understanding, and
It is not our function to express judgement upon the legitimacy of any of the communities
listed on our site, nor upon the self-description offered by these communities.
Our
struggle occurs because many churches describe themselves in a manner that challenges
the self-understanding of other churches. In most cases, the groups included on
this page are presented without comment. The only exceptions are to offer
clarifying notes to avoid confusion, or where a group has specifically asked for
comment. Descriptions are normally taken from the websites of the group, and are
indicated as such.
A preliminary taxonomy
In the general category of "episcopally-ordered churches" we could include
the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox,
Roman Catholic, and Oriental Orthodox, as well as some
Methodist and Lutheran churches. The churches listed on this page might conceivably belong to any of
these categories. However, many of the independent churches are not easily classified.
Furthermore, we feel that the inclusion of the independent churches on the other relevant
pages might violate the two principles listed above. Therefore, we have chosen to offer
this separate list.
To our knowledge there is no definitive history of the development of the independent
catholic churches. Further, no satisfying taxonomy seems to be possible. Suggestions for
re-classifying would be greatly appreciated. As a preliminary taxonomy consider the
following categories:
Byzantine
Sharing the rituals and theological formulations of the Byzantine East. Some of these are
schisms within the Eastern Orthodox communities, and others are historically Western
churches attempting to return to the apostolic teaching of the Ancient East.
Old Catholic
Deriving historically from the Roman Catholic tradition, but diverging in liturgical and
theological expression. Most "Old Catholic" churches trace their history to the
rejection of Vatican I's decree on papal infallibility.
Tridentine or Traditionalist
Also deriving from the Roman Catholic tradition, these communities attempt to preserve the
liturgical expression of pre-Vatican II.
Reformed Catholic
Deriving from the Roman Catholic community but attempting to introduce theological and
liturgical expressions and structural changes that are not found in the Roman Catholic
community.
Independent Anglican
Probably the hardest to classify, historically derivative from Anglican communities, some
of these communities attempt to preserve the Protestant tradition that has been
over-shadowed somewhat by the Anglo-Catholic movement. Other independent Anglican
communities have alternative raison d'être.
Celtic
Sometimes an amalgam of the above categories, the Celtic groups are attempting to return
to a more primitive or pristine spiritual and liturgical expression. They are primarily of
Anglo-Saxon origin.
None of these categories have been applied to the communities below. Please explore and
use your own judgement.
Please note
Some -- or even many -- of the groups
listed below exist only on the internet or in the missionary impulse of a single
individual. Some of these websites claim an historical succession that is somewhat
ephemeral. Others of these groups have a long and distinguished history. Please do not let
the inclusion of any group here reflect upon the character of any other.
The terms "unity" and "communion" have a variety of uses and
meanings for these churches. In many cases, churches claim to be "in unity" or
"in communion" with another church. This may reflect a joint agreement and
common history. In a few cases, claims of unity or communion are not reciprocal.
Please inform the of any corrections, revisions, or broken links.
Old Catholics of the Union of Utrecht
The Old Catholic Churches in Europe originated in a protest against the Roman Catholic
doctrine of papal infallibility adopted by the Vatican Council of 1870. Priests in
Germany who refused to accept the doctrine organized the Old Catholic Church under the
leadership of Ignatz von Döllinger in 1871 and were excommunicated by the Roman
church. A similar break occurred in the Netherlands and Switzerland where other Old
Catholic churches were established. Old Catholic churches in North America are mainly
an outgrowth of the European churches, although their connection to the European bodies
may have since been severed.
Old Catholic
Church of Utrecht -- Mathew Succession "a branch of the Old Catholic community in the USA with an active
presence in Louisiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. This organization
also reserves the names: the Old Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, the
Old Catholic Diocese of Louisiana, the Old Catholic Diocese of Mississippi, the Old
Catholic Diocese of Alabama, the Old Catholic Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Old Catholic
Diocese of Delaware, the Old Catholic Diocese of New Jersey, the Old Catholic Diocese of
Texas, the Old Catholic Diocese of Missouri, the Old Catholic Diocese of Maryland, the Old
Catholic Diocese of Minnesota, the Old Catholic Diocese of Wisconsin, the Old Catholic
Diocese of Florida and the Old Catholic Diocese of North Carolina."
American
Orthodox Catholic Church "A biritual voice of the Western Rite Vicariate, Archdiocese of
Pennsylvania and North America, North East Province (NY, NJ, Pa., and Md.) American
Orthodox Catholic Church (c. 1927)" [from the website]
American Orthodox Catholic Church,
Western Rite "The American Orthodox Catholic Church is Orthodox, but not
Eastern in teaching the Faith, Catholic but not Papal in liturgy and government."
[from the website]
American Orthodox Catholic Church aka The Holy Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic Church in North
America [sm], Inc. (THEOCACNA)
The Anglican Church of
America (TACA) "Website of the all-inclusive Anglican Jurisdiction, The Anglican
Church of America which, along with it's non-residential religious order (The Anglican
Order Of Saint John) brings traditional Anglican Worship to the people of the 21st century
- All the people - including women, Gays/Lesbians, the poor, all races, all ages, everyone
is welcome to join as a member and all are welcome to apply for Holy Orders - without
exception." [description submitted by Archbishop Holmes, primate]
Anglican
Independent Communion in the Americas "We are an independent communion of Anglican clergy who believe
in the traditional, orthodox, liturgical worship service using the 1928 Book of Common
Prayer. We believe that Holy Scripture contains all that is necessary for Salvation.
Christ Jesus is the only Head of our church. We adhere to the Thirty-Nine Articles of
Religion (Church of England). We believe that our Lord instituted Baptism and Holy
Communion as Sacraments necessary for Salvation." [submitted by The Rev'd
David F. Coady, ]
Apostolic
Episcopal Church, Province of the East, USA "The Apostolic Episcopal Church is an autogenic,
liturgically-based denomination emphasizing contemplative spirituality in
order to better understand and experience the mystery of Christ within. A
pivotal tenet of the AEC is the spirit of ecumenical cooperation reflected in
Christ's prayer that the Church strive to attain oneness and love for one
another, even in the face of doctrinal differences." [submitted by
Rev. S.C. Douglas]
Celtic Anabaptist Communion
"Our Communion is neither Roman Catholic nor Protestant; rather, we
wholeheartedly embrace and affirm Celtic and Anabaptist (Baptist, Quaker,
Mennonite, Brethren, etc.) thought and practice, thus our name: the Celtic
Anabaptist Communion. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds,
including Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, and Charismatic, and they hold a
variety of beliefs. All, however, are attracted to and desire to follow the
Celtic and Anabaptist way. We seek to reach the isolated, the rejected, the
lonely, and those who have been wounded by the institutional church. The CAC
is a Communion which does not "shoot the wounded;" rather, we offer all of
these a haven and a home." [from the website]
Celtic Communion of Christ
The Celtic Communion of Christ is a new and exciting venture within the Celtic Christian Renewal Movement. We follow the preserved traditions of the Celtic Christians of the British Isles and parts of Mainline Europe. Just like the early Christians of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, whose early missionaries discovered a people who worshipped nature, trees and water, we believe that we are facing these same types of challenges in people who worship money, greed and power.
A non-denominational Christian faith community that is based in
the ancient heritage and rich tradition of the early Christian church. Our membership is widely diverse,
coming from a multitude of denominational backgrounds and life situations. We believe in the Seven
Sacraments and the Apostle's and Nicene Creeds, but our services range from traditional mass settings to
contemporary Christian worship services. We are essentially "catholic", not in denomination, but in the
truest sense and meaning of the word. We are "universal". [from the website]
Ecumenical Catholic
Communion "Our Communion unites authentic Catholic faith communities that
stretch across the United States. We are a community of communities which are ecumenical
and catholic in that we celebrate a characteristically Catholic faith tradition that is
not sectarian. We share a common theology and liturgical tradition with the Catholic
Church. Our deacons, priests and bishops participate in the same historic apostolic
succession as do the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and other
apostolic Churches. We share the same historical developments as Western
Christianity." [from the website:
Distinctives]
This community affirms the Declaration of Utrecht, and has sought episcopal oversight from
the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht.
Evangelical Maronite
Catholic Church According to an email from the patriarch, this church claims to be an
autonomous church within the Catholic Church "guided by its patriarch and bishops in
unity with the Successor of Peter." This church should not be confused for the
Maronite Catholic Church, one of the Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with the
bishop of Rome. Contact Patriarch Anthony James M. Burns at .
Evangelical
Orthodox Catholic Church in America "We are "Evangelical" because we are committed to
preaching, teaching and proclaiming the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are
"Orthodox" because we adhere to the "One True Faith of the early Apostolic
Church of our Lord Jesus Christ" as proclaimed during the first thousand years of the
Church and its first seven great Ecumenical Councils. We are "Catholic" because
we are part of the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, gathered within small
worshipful eucharistic communities grounded in the in the early self-governing "Old
Catholic" understanding of the early Church." [from the website]
Evangelical Orthodox Church "In our journey of nearly three decades we have come to a deep appreciation of the catholic/orthodox faith found in the Scriptures, the doctrine, tradition and history of the early Church. We have committed ourselves to this ancient and historic faith while embracing our evangelical roots. We therefore hold an evangelical fire in the ancient forms. We believe we have been called to see humankind reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. And in addition to the building of healthy local churches we have a deep sense of call to pray and work for reconciliation between the many churches that exist today. Our jurisdiction consists of six parishes, one monastery and one mission parish spread throughout the United States, Canada and Sweden. Three bishops, eleven priests and four deacons serve among the two hundred and seventy five faithful. More details on specific ministries can be found on this site." [website message from the bishops]
Free Episcopal Church "The Free Episcopal Church (FEC) is a new denomination, deeply
rooted in the Anglican tradition of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We are an
inclusive denomination: we welcome women as well as men at all levels of lay and ordained
participation. We are an open and affirming denomination: we welcome gay, lesbian, and
bisexual people as well as straight people at all levels of lay and ordained
participation. We are self-governing local ministries, joining in a common worship and
life."
Free Protestant Episcopal Church (FPEC) Dr. Horst Block, Bishop Primus. See the International Free Protestant
Episcopal Church
Holy Catholic Church
(Anglican Rite) "The purpose of The Holy Catholic
Church (Anglican Rite) is to perpetuate the Faith, Order, Worship and Witness of Western
Catholicism as it existed in the Church of England from around 200 A.D., to the time of
the Great Schism, and set forth by the "ancient catholic bishops and doctors,"
and especially as defined by the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church."
[from the website]
Holy Orthodox Catholic
Patriarchate of America (HOCPA) "On this site read a concise history of the Patriarchate, the
Canonical Apostolic Heritage of HOCPA, view photos, read a brief thesis on the married
Orthodox Episcopacy, peruse some important historical documents, link to affiliated
Orthodox Churches and obtain a free subscription to the Orthodox World News Service."
[from the website]
Anglican Rite Archdiocese of the
Americas "The Anglican Rite Archdiocese of the Americas is a traditional,
liturgical, sacramental, catholic, and orthodox Church. We are traditional in that
we keep to the traditions and teachings of the ancient undivided Church founded by the
Apostles and strengthened by the early Church Fathers. We are liturgical in that we
use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and the Anglican Missal in our worship. We are
sacramental. We believe and celebrate the seven Holy Sacraments of the ancient
Church. We are catholic in the complete sense of the word. We are
"universally in fellowship with all believing Christians who keep the teachings and
traditions of the Faith as handed down by the Apostles". We are orthodox.
We hold to the true teaching, the true doctrine, of the Faith. We do not diminish it
by taking objectionable or "politically incorrect" material from the Faith or
Holy Writ nor do we dilute it by adding social teachings or "politically
correct" material to it. God said it, we believe it, that settles it."
[from the website]
Anglican Rite
Archdiocese of the Americas-Celtic Rite "The Anglican Rite Archdiocese of the Americas-Celtic Rite is a
part of the Anglican Rite Archdiocese of the Americas and is in alliance with of the
Orthodox Church of Canada. We are also in communion with the Holy Orthodox Catholic
Patriarchate of America and our bishop is a member of the Standing Episcopal
Conference. We are a growing group of parishes and missions whose mission is to
reach out to the unchurched and to those who have fallen away from the true Faith.
We also provide a "safe harbor" from the politics, watered down theology and
practices, and in-fighting that have disrupted the Body of Christ. Through
worship and lifestyle evangelism the Celtic Rite attempts, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit and the doctrine and theology of Orthodox Christianity, to recover, reclaim, and
restore the spirituality of the Celtic Christian heritage by returning to the Faith of the
undivided Church. An emphasis is placed on the Celtic saints and what they teach
about drawing closer to God. Celtic iconography, art, hymnody and musical instruments, and
outdoor worship venues are often used as part of our effort to capture again the spirit of
the ancient Celtic Church rather than create a museum piece." [from the website]
Iglesia Filipiana Independiente
(IFI) The autonomous Catholic Church in the Philippines. Established in 1902
in the turmoil of American colonial rule. This church has established full communion with
numerous Old Catholic traditions and with the Anglican Communion. "IFI, by virtue of
its concordat relations with the Anglican Churches, is given the privilege to send
delegates to the Council of Churches of East Asia (CCEA) as organized by the Anglican
Provinces in East Asia in 1962. Since 1964, the IFI Bishops have also been regular
members of the international Anglican gathering, the Lambeth Conference." [from the
website]
Inclusive Orthodox Church According to an email received from Bp. Daniel of Mount Carmel,
Primate & Apostolic President of the Inclusive Orthodox Church, they could be
classified under our headings above as a western church seeking to return to the apostolic
teaching of the Ancient East. Their rites and liturgies are Byzantine. With reference to
their succession, Bp. Daniel states: "The Inclusive Orthodox Church (IOC) has not
obtained nor does it need to be specifically authorized by any of the Patriarchs, nor is
the Inclusive Orthodox Church as yet under any papal or patriarchal authority or special
protection."
Independent
Catholic Christian Church "Creedally orthodox, traditionally sacramental, radically
inclusive independent Catholic jurisdiction committed to full inclusion of women and
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians."
Independent
Celtic Church "The Independent Celtic Church sees itself as a direct descendent
and expression of the ancient Celtic Churches as well as a Church marching bravely into
the future, where the streams of Christian tradition and spirituality converge and flow
together. We emphasize the interweaving of the liturgical/sacramental, evangelical and
charismatic just as the Celtic Churches expressed themselves in history. The Independent
Celtic Church reaches out to all people as did the Early Celtic Christians. We identify
with and stand in connection with the ancient historic Celtic Christian tradition of
standing firm on Christ. " [from the website]
International Free Protestant Episcopal
Church (FPEC), Most Rev. Dr. Horst-Karl Block, Bishop Primus. "The General Synod on October 7th 2001 has adopted
'INTERNATIONAL' to its name as counterpart of 'The International Free Protestant Episcopal
University 1897.' We want to be separated from every possible counterfeit, that has,
or shall have, usurped its name from The Free Protestant Episcopal Church." From their website: "This church was established in England on 2 November 1897 by a
union of several small British episcopates that had been established in the 1870s in
reaction to the rising Anglo-Catholicism of the mother Church of England. ... The
International Free Protestant Episcopal Church is an traditional Anglican church that
follows the beliefs of the Church of England as defined by the Reformers of the Protestant
Reformation in England starting with Thomas Cranmer, martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury from
1532 to 1556 and compiler of our Book of Common Prayer. Unlike some other Anglican
jurisdictions, we explicitly accept the reform teaching of the Thirty-nine Articles of
Religion in the sense that they were originally written. The historic expression of worship
is preserved in the Book of Common Prayer. While changes have occurred over the past years,
no changes could be made which changed the 'substance of the faith.' Future revisions will
also be subject to this provision. The Authorised King James Version of the Holy Bible is
used in this Church." According to Bp. Block in a contribution to this website (Nov.
10, 2001) the FPEC does ordain women.
Latin-American Anglican
Church "Website in Spanish of The Latin-American Anglican Church and
Hispanic Missionary Diocese. Anglican missionary priests from Colombia." aka: Latin
Anglican Church; Iglesia Anglicana Latina
Latin Old Roman Catholic Church of Flanders (Belgium) Perhaps one of the most unusual of all sites listed on this page, this website
appears to mix traditional Catholic eucharistic devotions with the Bhagavad Gītā.
Mar Thoma Syrian Church Another Indian Church in the lineage of St. Thomas the Apostle (Mar
Thoma). This is a Malankara Church which has incorporated elements of Reformed theology
via Anglican influence.
Orthodox Church of Canada
(OCC) "The Orthodox Church of Canada is a canonical, autocephalous
Metropolia in the lineage of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Our ministry
is directed to all persons, regardless of cultural, ethnic or
linguistic heritage. In
addition to established Parishes and Missions throughout Canada, North America &
Oceania, we continue to embrace growth by meeting both spiritual and temporal needs. We
are an Orthodox Christian Church with both Eastern and Western components. As a daughter
church of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, we are rooted canonically and
historically in the traditions of this venerable jurisdiction. Our Mission-as mandated by
Christ Himself-is to bring the Gospel "to all peoples", regardless of ethnic,
linguistic, racial or cultural background. Consequently, our Parishes and Missions reflect
a rich mosaic of all peoples. In order to fulfill our responsibilities to Christ and the
Gospel, a large majority of our Parishes and Missions worship in modern English. We are
however, open to accepting and providing ministries in other languages to reflect specific
needs in the multi-cultural milieu of Canada and North America." [from the website.
It should be noted that the term "canonical" is a technical term which many
Orthodox would not consider to be appropriately used here.] see also the Ukrainian
Autocephalus Orthodox Church, and the Holy Orthodox Catholic Patriarchate of America
(HOCPA).
All Saints Orthodox Cathedral Eparchy of Edmonton & All Western Canada, North American Missions (Eastern Rite) "We are "part of the Orthodox Church of Canada, a
multi-ethnic, all English language Parish. Information on our Services, Sacraments,
events, Orthodox faith and links, Feasts & Fasts and message from our Bishop. Pages
include tributes, contact information, map, Church music, updates and prayer and
visitation requests. Read about the mission and mandate of our Cathedral Parish and a
statement of our Orthodox faith."
Reformed Catholic
Church "We are a newer community, created to shepherd and become a home
for all those without a spiritual home. We retain basic Catholic beliefs of love, faith,
spirituality, prayer and sacramentality. Although a newly formed rite, we remain in, and
honor, the traditions of the Orthodox Catholic churches and the old Catholic Church of
Utrecht, Netherlands. We are a truly Catholic church, with ordained clergy tracing their
succession back to Peter in 38 A.D. Our celebrations of the mass are identical to that of
the liturgical structure of Roman Catholicism. However in regards to social justice, we
are an inclusive church. We accept all people and hold no bounds or limits to people
seeking the love of God." [website]
Restoration
Christian Church, Inc aka the Holy Restorationist Christian Church, Ltd, [sm], aka the
Evangelical Missionary Christian Church
Russian Orthodox
Church in America (ROCA) "The Russian Orthodox Church in America was founded in February of 1927 by the Synod of the Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Mission to North America to be the Orthodox Church for all English speaking and/or native born Orthodox Catholic Christians dwelling on the continent of North America. The Russian Orthodox Church in America is in communion with the other autocephalous Churches and Patriarchates of the Holy Eastern Orthodox Church throughout the World.
While it has never been a great in numbers, it has played a major role in American Orthodoxy throughout the last century." [from the website]
Society of Saint Piux X (SSPX) aka Priestly Society of Saint Pius X. "Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
(1905-1991), a native Frenchman, was Archbishop of Dakar, Senegal, and attended sessions of
Vatican Council II. After resigning from the Tulle episcopal see in 1970, he founded a
seminary in Econe, Switzerland, which rejected the liturgical renewal established by the
Council. His first break with Rome occurred at the time of Paul VI; in 1976 he ordained 13
priests without the Holy See's permission; the seminary where they trained originally
depended on the Holy See. As a result, he was suspended from his ministerial functions.
Archbishop Lefebvre founded the Society of St. Pius X in 1970, which took on the direction
of the Econe seminary and others that were created in the same spirit in other countries,
without Rome's approval. Priestly communities, men's and women's monasteries, and schools
were also established." Finally excommunicated after consecrating four bishops
without papal approval on June 30, 1988. (Zenit.org) Do not confuse with the
"Fraternity of St. Peter", a related movement begun with the Vatican's approval
to provide a home for Lefebvre's followers who wish to remain in full communion with the
Bishop of Rome. Some "traditional Catholic" communities have recently been
reconciled with the Vatican, however the SSPX has not.
Tridentine Catholic Church According to its self-description: "An independent Catholic
Church wishing to preach the Gospel of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in a traditional Catholic
setting." (+Leonard J. Curreri, Archbishop, Tridentine Catholic Church)
Universal Anglican
Church "The Universal Anglican Church was formed in August of 2003 with
a special emphasis on inclusivity and the desire to reach out to all people, especially
those who have felt marginalized or rejected by the institutional church. We currently
have ministries in California, Delaware, Florida, Missouri, Ontario, and Wisconsin. We are
Anglican in terms of worship style. We are Universal in that all people are welcome here
and in that we find validity in all paths to God. We recognize that everyone's
spirituality does not fit into well defined categories, and we celebrate that diversity.
You are welcome here!" [supplied by
Most Rev. Craig Bergland, Presiding Bishop,
Universal Anglican Church]
Western Orthodox
Church in America "The Western Orthodox Church in America is a Missionary Church of
Orthodox Catholic Christians that seeks to bring the good news of Jesus to a world that is
sick and dying; of sin, suffering and ignorance. In the midst of a nation and world filled
with violence, degradation, chemical abuse, AIDS, and countless other human tragedies, we
seek to offer the comfortable words and healing touch of Jesus, the Lord, 'Come to me, all
you who labour and are heavy laden and I will refresh you.' ... Under the Headship of
Jesus Christ, we are governed by a Synod of Bishops who stand in unbroken Succession to
the Apostles through many of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches; Antioch, Constantinople,
Moscow, the Ukraine, Albania, and Rome, (via Utrecht and Brazil), as well as numerous
others. This Succession dating back to our Lord ordaining the Twelve, as Apostles, AND our
'right belief' and 'right worship' of God, ensure that we are not just another
denomination, but full and true members of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic
Church." [from the website]
See
Wikipedia's
