What is a non-Catholic ecclesial community?

[maria_carmela]

A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may serve as Christian Witness together with a Catholic Godparent. Exactly what does that mean? What is a non-Catholic ecclesial community and what role does that person have in the actual ceremony. Can the non-Catholic witness accompany the child during the ceremony?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

A “non-Catholic ecclesial community” refers to Christian communities that do not have valid Apostolic Succession. They cannot technically be called “churches”

Dominus Iesus:

1. …The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches…

…On the other hand, the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery, are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church.