UNIT 2: APOSTOLIC FAITH AND VALID ORDERS
2.1 The Theology of Validity
Central to the identity of any Independent Sacramental cleric is the validity of their Holy Orders. Without valid orders, we are simply a liturgical club. With them, we are stewards of the mysteries of God.
The Church distinguishes between three states of a sacrament:
- Valid (Validum): The sacrament truly took place. God’s grace was conferred objectively.
- Licit (Licitum): The sacrament was performed according to the canon law of a specific church.
- Recognized: The sacrament is accepted by other jurisdictions.
The AOCM affirms that validity is theological and objective, while licitness and recognition are canonical and political. A mass can be valid (Christ is present) even if it is considered illicit by Rome because it was not authorized by the Pope.
The Criteria for Validity To ensure our orders are valid, the AOCM adheres strictly to the classic Augustinian and Thomistic requirements for a sacrament. As a priest or deacon of this Mission, you must be able to articulate these three elements:
- Form (Forma): The essential words of the sacrament. For ordination, this is the Prayer of Consecration specific to the order (deacon, priest, or bishop) found in the Pontifical. The AOCM uses the Old Catholic Missal & Ritual or other approved rites to ensure the form is preserved.
- Matter (Materia): The physical element or action. For Holy Orders, this is the laying on of hands by a validly consecrated bishop in apostolic succession. It is not the anointing with oil or the handing over of instruments (though these are beautiful symbols); it is the imposition of hands that confers the character.
- Intent (Intentio): The intention of the minister “to do what the Church does.” This does not require the minister to be a saint or even to fully understand every theological nuance. It requires the will to perform the rite as the Church intends it—to ordain a priest for the service of God’s people.
2.2 The Purpose of Apostolic Succession
In the independent world, apostolic succession is sometimes treated like a “collectible”—ministers boasting of how many “lines” of succession they possess (Rebiban, Duarte, Vilatte, etc.). The AOCM rejects this “genealogical” obsession.
“For the Independent Sacramental Tradition, apostolic succession is not about privilege or exclusivity… Without [holiness and humility], succession becomes little more than a genealogical curiosity.”
We teach that succession is a sign of continuity, not a guarantee of superiority. It links us to the Apostles, not to give us power, but to ensure we are teaching the same faith and breaking the same bread.
- Tactile Succession: The physical laying on of hands (which we possess and verify).
- Doctrinal Succession: The teaching of the Apostolic faith (which we must study and live).
If a bishop has valid lines but preaches heresy or hatred, they have tactile succession but have abandoned doctrinal succession. The AOCM insists on holding both.
