UNIT 1: DEFINING THE TRADITION
1.1 The Meaning of “Independent Sacramental”
To the outsider, and indeed to many within mainstream denominations, the term “Independent Sacramental” can appear contradictory. How can one be “sacramental”—a term implying communal, objective grace entrusted to the Church—while being “independent”—a term often associated with individualism or schism?
The answer lies in understanding the ecclesiology of the ancient Church. In the first millennium, the Church was a communion of local churches (Patriarchates) that were essentially autocephalous (self-governing). They were united not by a single administrative bureaucracy, but by a shared apostolic faith, valid sacraments, and mutual recognition.
The AOCM defines the Independent Sacramental Tradition as:
“A family of Christian communities that celebrate the sacraments with valid apostolic succession… while operating independently of the large institutional churches such as Rome, Canterbury, or Constantinople.”
This definition contains two critical components that must be unpacked:
- Autocephaly vs. Extra-Jurisdictional Status In canonical terms, the AOCM operates as an extra-jurisdictional body. This means we exist “outside the usual denominational boundaries” of the large historic sees. However, this does not mean we are “non-denominational” in the Protestant sense. We retain the full structure of the Catholic faith: the threefold ministry (bishop, priest, deacon), the seven sacraments, and the Creeds.
The student must understand that autocephaly is a legitimate Catholic concept. It refers to a church that elects its own head and governs its own affairs while remaining faithful to the Tradition. The AOCM, while small, operates on this principle. We are not a “breakaway” sect reacting against a specific bishop; rather, we are a Mission that preserves the Old Catholic heritage in a new context.
- The Theological Legitimacy of the Movement Why does this movement exist? Is it merely for those who “can’t follow rules”? The Guide to Formation offers a more profound theological rationale:
“At its best, this movement is a living reminder that the grace of God is not confined to any single structure. It affirms that the Church exists wherever the apostolic faith is proclaimed, the sacraments are celebrated faithfully, and the people of God gather in charity.”
This is a critical ecclesiological assertion. We reject the notion that the validity of the Church depends on submission to a specific geographical patriarch (such as the Bishop of Rome). Instead, we hold that the Church is constituted by the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit. Where the Bishop is (or the priest as their representative), there is the Catholic Church, provided the faith is maintained.
1.2 The Spectrum of the Movement
The Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) is not monolithic. As an incardination candidate, you must be able to distinguish where the AOCM sits on this spectrum.
- The “High Church” Independents: Groups that mimic Roman or Anglican liturgy with extreme precision but often lack pastoral warmth.
- The “Esoteric” Independents: Groups that use Catholic rituals but infuse them with Gnostic, Theosophical, or New Age theology (e.g., Liberal Catholic Church branches).
- The “Renewal” Independents: Communities like the AOCM that seek to combine historic validity with a modern, inclusive, and pastoral ethos.
The AOCM explicitly identifies with the Old Catholic stream of this movement. We are “Catholic in faith, yet free in structure; traditional in worship, yet open in welcome.” We do not adopt esoteric or Gnostic interpretations of the Scriptures. We remain grounded in the Nicene faith and the decisions of the seven ecumenical councils.
