All authority rests with Christ, Who gave me the One Holy Catholic Church. This is why I am Catholic and not a heretic who listens to Protestant charlatans.
Actually Christ gave us Himself by and thru His Spirit...and His word likewise. ..and we as HIS body of believers, with Christ as the Head...are His church. Which is why we can fellowship between the many church denominations with other believers. His Spirit within us identifies with those who are His....again His church as the body of Christ..... He is not confined to a building or a group of men self appointed men in Rome to determine His way with us.
"If the son shall set you free, you are free indeed"
PS...I see you might still have residual issues left from your bad experiences with the churches you were first affiliated with...it does reveal so in your posts. Sorry you had those.