UNIT 4: INDEPENDENCE VS. ISOLATION

This final unit of Module 1.1 addresses the greatest spiritual danger in our movement: the “Lone Ranger” syndrome.

4.1 The Definition of Isolation

Independence means self-governance. Isolation means lack of accountability. Many clergy come to the Independent Sacramental Tradition because they have been hurt by institutions. They want freedom. But often, they confuse freedom with autonomy from all relationship.

“Independence, in this context, means pastoral self-governance… It does not mean solitary or unaccountable.”

The AOCM teaches that Communio (Communion) is the natural state of the Christian. A priest who answers to no one, who has no bishop, no council, and no peers, is in a dangerous spiritual state.

4.2 The AOCM Model: Interdependence

We propose a “Third Way” between the rigid control of Rome and the chaotic fragmentation of the independent world. We call this Interdependence.

• We are Independent: We make our own decisions about liturgy, finance, and mission without external interference.
• We are Interdependent: We voluntarily bind ourselves to the Statutes, the Mission Council, and to one another.

“The AOCM seeks a different path… We can remain independent and still collaborate… We collaborate with kindred jurisdictions where appropriate, sharing training and recognising valid sacraments without surrendering our own identity.” This is why Incardination is a Covenant. It is a promise that “I am not a minister unto myself.”. When you join the AOCM, you are trading the isolation of the “independent” priest for the shared burden of the Mission