What is the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM)? Honestly, this question haunts me as I am not sure there is a definition. Let me point out a few examples of why I believe this is a difficult question. First, I think of Julie Byrne’s comments regarding Independent Catholicism in her book The Other Catholics: Remaking America’s Largest Religion.
Byrne notes that:
“While ‘independent Catholic’ is the most common way that contemporary independents identify themselves, almost no one loves the adjective ‘independent.’ Traditionalists like SSPX Catholics actively repudiate it. Old Catholic – identified churches in the United States often recoil at being grouped with independents, whom they see as overly liberal, motley, or opportunistic. Those working for Roman reform, such as the Womenpriests, consider themselves fully Roman and not part of the independent phenomenon. In turn, handfuls of ‘just independent’ types opine that Old Catholics and traditionalists are too conservative, so fine if they don’t want to be ‘independent Catholic’” (p. 35).
This passage is a reminder of the deep diversity found in the Independent Sacramental Movement. A priest of a conservative movement, like SSPX, might insist they are not independent and are faithful to the tradition. At the same time, a more liberal person would say that the tradition itself could obscure certain aspects of the Good News. There is no longer male and female so ordination should be open to all. The ISM movement, when considered in its fullness from conservative to liberal will create difficulties trying to define itself. Both sides are likely to reject the ISM label as flawed. Does the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) even mean anything?
Moreover, I had the opportunity to read Bishop Daniel Tomberlin’s book Pentecostal Sacraments: Encountering God at the Altar some years ago. Bishop Tomberlin is from a Pentecostal tradition which is typically not associated with Sacraments (other than baptism). Would we consider a Pentecostal minister who celebrates the Eucharist or the Anointing of the Sick a member of the Independent Sacramental Movement? It would seem they do so independently of the theology of the church they belong. This is an interesting question, could we consider those celebrating sacraments within a church that does not recognize those sacraments as participating in the Independent Sacramental Movement? Perhaps individual congregations and ministers participate in the ISM movement while their broader church does not. Typically, ISM restricts itself to those who have received Holy Orders in Apostolic Succession (as well as those who have claimed to receive “spiritual” ordination from angels, one of the apostles, or Jesus). Maybe this is a misconception as others participate in the movement while still remaining in their churches.
Finally, maybe trying to define the Independent Sacramental Movement is wrong. Many in the movement find fault with mainline church definitions. A definition simply cuts off discussion as it is what it is. While I may believe that Transubstantiation explains the Eucharist change, I dislike Transubstantiation terminology. Why? A person can believe they mastered understanding the Eucharist by reading a lot of Scholastic Theology. The Eucharist becomes knowable and intelligible and is no longer a mystery inviting believers to participate. I see the Independent Sacramental Movement as continuing the mission and work of Jesus. Jesus invites us to be disciples. Discipleship is not simply intellectual knowledge, but conforming ourselves to the death of Jesus so that we will rise with him.
May we continue to walk with Jesus no matter where we are on the journey.
Peace,
Ben