Who Are the Independent Catholics?

Food for thought for members of any diverse, opinionated religious group with an initiated and initiating clerical structure.

Plummer's work is a positive introduction to persons who are interested in or curious about the Independent or Old Catholic Church. His insights about the unique character of the independent movement are inviting, welcoming, and warm. His clarity removes any doubts and concerns people may have about the movement and reveals just how dynamic and energetic the independent movement really is.

Bravo!....to all in involved. I found this book to be very enlightening to many questions that I had swirling in my mind. Myself growing up Catholic and never having completed several of "The Seven Sacraments". (which I blame the nun who taught my CCD class, just kidding). I have to say this book has given me new hope, not just for myself, but hopefully for all types of Catholics and non-alike who have had the pleasure of reading it. Remember this is a short introductory into subjects like: the founding Fathers of the Independent Catholic Church; the difference between a Roman and Non-Roman Catholic; how to look for an ICC and what questions to ask not just yourself but the clergy has well, etc.. This is a must read book for anyone interested in taking the first steps and finding out whether or not an Independent Catholic Church and all it has to offer is right for you. [...]

The authors have created a very readable introduction to independent catholic churches. Well done! Reading the book will give a helpful overview to anyone searching for a church to call home and considering independent catholicism as part of that search.

As an Independent Catholic bishop, I often encounter the question, "What do you mean, INDEPENDENT Catholic?!?" Once I give a brief answer, often the more serious inquirer will follow up with the question, "Where would I find more information about you?" Up until now, it was hard to point them in one particular direction. This book provides a very helpful overview to an often confusing and extremely diverse movement. The first chapter gives a very brief but helpful overview of Independent Catholic beliefs and practices which most jurisdictions subscribe to. The second chapter gives a brief history of the movement as a whole. The third chapter describes the "flavors" of the movement -- liberal, traditionalist, esoteric, and eclectic -- while acknowledging that many do not fit neatly in just one category (e.g., jurisdictions which are pretty traditional in regard to theology and liturgy but which ordain women and lgbt folk). The fourth chapter gives a helpful introduction to those seeking life-cycle ritual ministry (especially weddings) from IC clergy as to what to expect -- this will make the book especially helpful to give to such inquirers. The appendices go into more depth, and are less likely to be of interest to most inquirers. The first is a chart of comparison of Roman Catholic, Old Catholic (of the classic European variety), and Protestant beliefs, and not all Independent Catholics will fall neatly in the "Old Catholic" section of the table, but may resemble Romans on some issues and Protestants on others. The second appendix, the most helpful, is a bibliography of further resources. Three of them are not generally available at this time, but since the publisher, Apocryphile, has reprinted many historical works about this movement (many on this bibliography), one can hope and pray that they may eventually make them available again. The final appendix is a set of historical documents, which will not be of interest to the casual inquirer, but the collection will be helpful to those reading for orders in the movement. Best of all, the book is available directly from Apocryphile with a quantity discount, of which Independent Catholic clergy will want to avail themselves.