Independent Anglicanism/Episcopalianism
Independent Anglicanism is a branch of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) comprised of individuals and organizations that self-identify as Anglican or Episcopal but without any formal relationship with or recognition by the Anglican Communion (with the Archbishop of Canterbury as its head). The terms "Independent Anglican" and "Independent Episcopal" derive from the fact that these individuals and communities affirm both their belonging to the Anglican or Episcopal tradition as well as their independence from Canterbury. In many cases, Independent Anglican and Independent Episcopal clergy possess lines of apostolic succession and share valid Catholic sacraments. Most adherents choose Independent Anglicanism or Independent Episcopalianism as an alternative way to live and express their Anglican or Episcopal faith outside the structures and strictures of the Anglican Communion.
The critique is often made that Independent Anglicanism, like Independent Catholicism and Autocephalous Orthodoxy, negatively defines itself, as "independent" from that which it is not (viz., Anglicanism or Episcopalianism). As a result, Independent Anglicans and Independent Episcopalians choose a variety of ways of expressing their identity.
Largely due to the movement's "working clergy" and lack of resources, Independent Anglicanism and Independent Episcopalianism are constantly in flux, as clergy flow in and out of the movement. Unlike the Anglican Communion, which has a clearly-delineated hierarchy, Independent Anglicanism possesses no universal unifying structure, and most clergy are quite independent from one another and from other Independent Anglican and Independent Episcopalian communities and jurisdictions. Many lay members of the Independent Anglicans may be largely unaware of the larger context of Independent Anglicanism/Episcopalianism and of the Independent Sacramental Movement, thus possessing little knowledge of Independent Catholicism, Autocephalous Orthodoxy, Celtic Christianity, Esoteric expressions of Christianity, and other Christian clergy and communities that possess apostolic succession.
Independent Anglicanism/Episcopalianism is comprised of:
- Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Clergy
- Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Eucharistic Communities
- Other Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Ministries
- Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Jurisdictions
- Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Religious Communities
- Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Seminaries & Formation Programs
Independent Anglican/Episcopalian Resources:
- [Add resources here]
