Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch also known with the acronym CCOA is a free and independent sacramental Church, but is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The church is considered part of the Independent Catholic Churches and was founded in 1958. The church does not believe that the traditional bias against women in the priesthood can be justified any longer. The Church of Antioch has been ordaining female priests, as well as consecrating female bishops for many years. Marrying of priests is allowed and celibacy is optional as the church does not find in the Scripture anything to prevent it.