History

The Missionary Franciscans of Christ the King were founded on the feast of the Baptism of Christ in 2004 by Bishop Raphael Adams and Father William Myers. The name Christ the King was chosen to emphasize that Christ is our King rather then the vanities and power structure sought by the world.

In 2009, the Franciscans of Christ the King entered into union with the Order of Franciscans of Reconciliation within the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. This was part of an effort to expand the membership of the Order as well as grow as a community with other individuals. Throughout this time, however, the Franciscans of Christ the King maintained a separate incorporation within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

In 2011, Bishop Raphael Adams was formally received into the Order of Franciscans of Reconciliation and the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. Father Myers was of the opinion that he could not follow this path, and the Canons of the Order of Franciscans of Reconciliation prohibited non-ECC clergy from entering the group. The Franciscans of Christ the King were revived as a separate entity in the Old Roman Catholic Tradition. The name was changed to the Missionary Franciscans of Christ the King to emphasize the missionary nature of the community. As a small community whose charism is vastly contrary to the ideals of the world, the missionary emphasis was considered appropriate.

In 2012, Father William Myers was consecrated Bishop for the Old Roman Catholic Church in America. At this time, the Missionary Franciscans of Christ the King became affiliated with the Old Roman Catholic Church in America. Father Nioclas Kelly incardinated into the Old Roman Catholic Church in America and his vows were received into the Missionary Franciscans of Christ the King.

In 2017, the Missionary Franciscans of Christ the King formally entered with other jurisdictions, into the Orthodox Old Roman Catholic Communion, under the stewardship of the Congregation of the Divine Charity. It was at this establishment that Metropolitan Jerome Lloyd, OSJV was elected as Servant Superior of the Congregation.