1. What Is the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM)?

The Independent Sacramental Movement, often abbreviated ISM, refers to a family of Christian communities that preserve the ancient sacramental life of the Church—the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick—outside the jurisdiction of large institutional bodies such as the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Anglican Churches.

 

These communities are often called Old Catholic, Independent Catholic, Free Orthodox, Continuing Anglican, or Ecumenical Catholic.
They share a deep respect for tradition, valid apostolic succession, and the celebration of the seven sacraments, while also embracing diversity, inclusion, and pastoral adaptability.

 

The ISM seeks not to reject the Church, but to live its fullness with freedom, authenticity, and compassion.

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2. Where Did the Movement Come From?

The roots of the ISM stretch back to the Old Catholic Church of Utrecht, which separated from Rome in the 18th century over issues of papal authority.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Old Catholic and other independent bishops extended apostolic succession to clergy across Europe and North America who sought to serve small communities, ecumenical ministries, and new pastoral needs.

 

Over time, this became a network of jurisdictions—each maintaining apostolic orders, sacramental worship, and often small, locally based communities.

 

Today, the ISM includes hundreds of jurisdictions worldwide, ranging from traditional Old Catholic parishes to inclusive, progressive ministries focused on chaplaincy, evangelization, or online community.

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3. What Do We Believe?

Belief and practice within the ISM can vary, but most share several key convictions:

• Apostolic Faith and Sacramental Life – The sacraments are real means of grace, instituted by Christ and preserved through apostolic succession.

• Scripture and Tradition – The Bible is the inspired Word of God, interpreted within the living tradition of the Church.

• Conciliar and Catholic Heritage – We affirm the ancient creeds and the early ecumenical councils.

• Freedom of Conscience – We respect the liberty of each believer and local community under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Inclusivity and Pastoral Care – Many ISM jurisdictions welcome all people to the sacraments, regardless of gender, marital status, or orientation.

• Unity in Diversity – We seek communion, not uniformity, and welcome dialogue with all branches of Christianity.

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4. How Are ISM Churches Structured?

Unlike large denominations, the ISM is decentralized.
Each jurisdiction (or church body) has its own governance, clergy, and communities. Some are large dioceses; others are small groups or specialized ministries such as hospital chaplaincy, online parishes, or home-based Eucharistic communities.

 

Most clergy are bivocational—serving both in ministry and secular professions. Many communities gather in homes, rented chapels, or shared spaces rather than traditional church buildings.

 

This flexibility allows the ISM to bring the sacraments to the people, adapting to local needs while remaining rooted in the ancient liturgical and sacramental tradition.

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5. How Are Sacraments Celebrated?

The heart of ISM life is the Eucharist—the celebration of Christ’s presence among His people.
While forms vary, the liturgies are reverent, sacramental, and rooted in the early Church’s heritage. Many communities use liturgies derived from the Roman, Old Catholic, or Eastern rites, often adapted into contemporary language.

 

Other sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Anointing—are celebrated in homes, hospitals, retreat centers, or wherever people are in need of God’s grace.

 

The goal is not ritual for its own sake, but the encounter with Christ in the ordinary places of life.

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6. How Do I Connect or Get Involved?

You can explore the ISM in several ways:

1. Learn – Browse articles, videos, and catechetical materials on this site to understand ISM theology, history, and practice.

2. Pray – Ask God for guidance. Many find in the ISM a new spiritual home precisely because of prayerful discernment.

3. Attend a Liturgy – Use our Directory of Jurisdictions to find a community near you, or join an online service.

4. Start a House-Church or Micro-Parish – Many ISM communities begin in homes. Visit our House-Church Models page for guidance.

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7. Common Misconceptions

“Independent means isolated.”
No. The ISM values communion and cooperation, even across jurisdictional lines. Independence means freedom to serve, not separation from the Body of Christ.

 

“ISM clergy are self-ordained.”
False. Legitimate ISM clergy are ordained through valid apostolic succession tracing back to historic Catholic and Orthodox lineages.

 

“The ISM rejects tradition.”
On the contrary, many ISM clergy and faithful cherish traditional liturgy, vestments, and theology—simply within a freer, more pastoral framework.

 

“It’s not real church.”
Where the Gospel is preached, the sacraments are celebrated, and people are formed in love—there the Church is present.

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8. A Living Vision

The ISM is not a rebellion—it’s a renewal movement within the broader Christian family. It provides refuge for those hurt or excluded by institutional religion, and a home for clergy and laity seeking to live the Catholic and Apostolic faith with authenticity and compassion.

 

We believe God is doing something new in our time: restoring the vitality of small communities, empowering local ministries, and calling all Christians to deeper holiness and service.

 

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” — 2 Corinthians 4:7

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9. Continue Your Journey

Ready to go deeper?

• Visit Apologetics for the ISM to explore theological foundations.

• Explore Catechesis & Formation for study materials.