Select one of the links below to
learn more about Independent Catholicism. Describing themselves as
Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican, these independent groups are
generally not in communion with mainline churches.
Little known, and little publicized,
within Roman Catholic and Canonical Orthodox circles they are
sometimes referred to as an ecclesiastical underground. Most of
their clergy are sincere, if "fringy," although its ranks has been
admittendly plagued by its fair share of disreputable characters.
Virtually all of these groups claim valid "apostolic succession."
This means that their bishops and priests trace their ordinations
and consecrations to validly consecrated bishops from West and
East.
In addition to serving an unchurched
public, these independent groups often provide an alternative for
people from Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican traditions who feel
alienated from their mother churches or who have "impediments"
preventing them from receiving the sacraments. Some of these
groups are quite liberal, making holy orders available to the
married, women, or gay people; others can be even more traditional
than their mainline counterparts.
While often small and fragmented, the
healthy ones are building viable ministries, congregations, and
organizations. Frequently serving the marginalized, they often
fill neglected gaps in the ministries of mainline
churches.
