Baguio diocese warns vs group using ‘Roman Catholic’ name

February 11, 2026 – 12:37 PM

How logistics industry experts plan to ‘move forward’ after COVID-19

Reasons why Filipinos love Korean culture and products

Why Batangas is the destination for budget-friendly family holidays

A northern Philippine diocese has clarified that a group calling itself the “Roman Catholic Society of St. John the Baptist” is not connected with the Roman Catholic Church.

In a statement issued Feb. 5, the Diocese of Baguio said the group is not affiliated with the diocese and is not recognized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

“Because this group is not in communion with Our Church, any wedding rites performed by them—though they may bear the appearance of a sacrament—are not valid in the eyes of our Church,” the diocese said.

To avoid confusion among the faithful, church officials urged couples to coordinate with their parish or any parish within the diocese for proper canonical guidance.

“This ensures proper canonical guidance, inclusion in the parish registry, and valid civil documentation,” the diocese said.