Frequently Asked Questions 

Note: The information on this page isn’t specific to the AIC, but offers a general overview of Independent Christian Ministry and may help answer some of your questions.

Understanding the Broader Context

To understand the current landscape, it’s important to recognise certain truths that are often overlooked or hidden—particularly by the Anglican and Roman Catholic establishments. Even many religious commentators, including those writing for church publications, rarely address them.

Q: What does ‘Catholic’ actually mean?

The Roman Catholic Church often refers to itself simply as “the Catholic Church”, implying it’s the only one. But even by its own teachings, that’s not the case—it acknowledges the Orthodox Churches as catholic too.

The word “catholic” comes from the Greek katholikos, meaning “universal”. A catholic church is one with deacons, priests, and bishops in the Apostolic Succession. That includes all Anglicans.

Q: What is Apostolic Succession?

Apostolic Succession is the unbroken line of bishops going back to the apostles. Each bishop was consecrated by another bishop in that line, and priests are ordained within this tradition. This spiritual lineage, passed down through the Holy Spirit, links today’s clergy directly to the early Church.

So, the Church of England—and the wider Anglican Communion—is a catholic church, as are the Orthodox and Old Catholic Churches. Catholic (or Episcopal) churches are those overseen by bishops in Apostolic Succession.

Many churches around the world are not catholic churches in this sense. In the UK, that includes Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Pentecostals, the United Reformed Church, the Salvation Army, Free Churches, and Independent Churches. Their ministers may use the title “Reverend”, but they aren’t ordained in the Apostolic Succession. That doesn’t matter to them, but it does to catholic churches, where the sacraments depend on this succession.

Q: The Church of England is the ‘State Church’—what does that actually mean?

The Church of England became the state church in the 1500s after Henry VIII split from Rome. As a result, it’s backed by the government, and the monarch is both head of state and head of the church, with the title Defender of the Faith.

Being a state church gives it influence far beyond its actual membership. National events automatically default to Church of England services. Unlike the Church of Wales, which was disestablished in the early 1900s, the Church of England still benefits from state support—its bishops are appointed by the Crown, and its Canon Law is part of UK law.

No other church in Britain has this status. However, the Roman Catholic Church does not recognise Anglican Holy Orders. Despite cordial relations between Anglican and Catholic leaders, Rome considers all Anglican clergy—including the Archbishop of Canterbury—as not validly ordained.

Q: How are the Roman and Old Catholic churches related?

The Roman Catholic Church considers Old Catholic clergy to hold valid but “irregular” orders—meaning their ordinations are legitimate, but not authorised by the Pope. According to Rome, only clergy ordained with papal approval are in “regular” orders.

The Church of England doesn’t have an official position, but it recognises churches in the Utrecht Union (a body of Old Catholic churches) as being in full communion. In practice, this means Utrecht clergy can work in Church of England roles.

Some Anglican bishops have granted permission for clergy ordained in Old Catholic lines to serve in their dioceses. In fact, some current C of E clergy hold both Anglican and Old Catholic orders. The issue was raised at a recent General Synod, where it was noted that Old Catholic bishops had offered alternative episcopal oversight to clergy in difficult situations.

Q: Are you all “proper” priests?

That’s often the first question asked of Old Catholic or independent Anglican clergy. The short answer is yes—as long as the person was ordained by a bishop in valid apostolic succession. That’s been confirmed in court. From there, the conversation usually goes like this:

Q: Why aren’t you a priest in the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church?

There are lots of reasons, depending on the person. Broadly speaking, independent clergy fall into three groups:

  1. Former Anglican or Catholic priests who left for personal or theological reasons. For example, a Catholic priest might leave to marry or live openly with a partner—something they’re free to do in independent ministry.

  2. Those who tried to join mainstream churches but were rejected—often for being “too Catholic”, too old, or not fitting the institutional mould. In some cases, pastoral ability and calling are overlooked in favour of academic or political criteria.

  3. People who feel genuinely called to ministry and seek ordination independently. If a bishop recognises their vocation, they can be ordained.

Q. Are independent churches organised like mainstream ones?

Generally yes, though often with fewer titles. Like all Catholic churches, they have ordained ministries:

  • Deacon (The Revd)

  • Priest (The Revd, Father/Mother, or Revd Father/Mother, depending on preference)

  • Bishop (The Right Revd)

Many jurisdictions also include roles that aren’t ordained but are official positions, such as:

  • Archbishop (The Most Revd) – head of a group of bishops

  • Vicar-General (The Very Revd) – advisor on liturgy and protocol

  • Chancellor (The Worshipful) – legal advisor and church judge; may or may not be clergy

  • Registrar – a qualified solicitor, almost always a layperson

Other roles like Diocesan Theologian don’t carry a special title, though in Anglican settings they might be associated with the title Canon. Some independent Catholic churches may use Anglican titles like Dean, Provost, Canon, or The Venerable (used for Archdeacons, a role rather than a higher order). A few also use Roman Catholic titles like Dom and Monseigneur for senior clergy.

Q. Who else might I come across?

Some Old Catholic groups still use Minor Orders below Deacon, such as Sub-Deacon, Acolyte, Lector, Exorcist, and Doorkeeper. Anyone tonsured (a ceremonial haircut by the bishop) can be called The Reverend. Minor Orders were mostly abolished by the Roman Church in 1968 and are rare today—most people move quickly on to being Deacons.

Traditional Anglicans may also retain the role of Deaconess.

Q. Do I need to know the difference?

Only to the extent of knowing who is a priest or bishop—only they can celebrate Mass or officiate a wedding. Deacons can baptise and conduct funerals but can’t give the final blessing. Typically, Deacons may bless people, while priests bless places, objects, and buildings. Bishops consecrate churches.

Q. Is there proof someone is properly ordained?

Yes. Legitimate priests have a certificate called Letters of Ordination, confirming the ordination took place during a public Mass or Eucharist. It must be signed by at least one bishop, and often also by others ordained at the same time or clergy present. Multiple signatures are a good sign of authenticity.

Q: Are independent clergy less educated than mainstream clergy?

Often, yes—at least in formal theology. Many train on the job rather than in college. But they’re usually more experienced in real life. Independent bishops often value pastoral care and spiritual maturity over exam results. Some very academic clergy can still struggle with people.

That said, plenty of independents are highly qualified. In the UK, they include university lecturers, professors (including in theology and law), and many with masters and doctorates. Many also come from caring roles like nursing and social work—experience that’s a real asset in ministry.

Q: Do you do baptisms—and are they recognised?

Yes, absolutely. Our baptisms are recognised by Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and other Trinitarian churches. Baptisms can be held anywhere—even outdoors, if that’s what you’d like.

You don’t need to be re-baptised unless the original wasn’t done by someone properly authorised. You can renew your vows in a special service if you choose.

Q: Can you marry people?

Spiritually, yes—we conduct weddings. But for the marriage to be legal, it also needs to be registered through the state. That’s the case for anyone who’s not an authorised Anglican priest. Best to chat with your priest for the details.

Q: Do you do funerals?

Definitely. Funerals are a big part of what we do. Most are at crematoriums, but we also do garden, cemetery and woodland burials. With the local priest’s okay, we can also do funerals in Church of England churchyards.

Q: What else do you do?

Lots—house blessings, group blessings, vow renewals, confessions, hospital visits, grief support, prison visits, pet funerals (mainstream churches usually say no), school assemblies, prayer groups, guest preaching, filling in for other clergy, youth chaplaincy, even academic work.

Q. Do you charge for your services?

Yes, we have to. We don’t receive government funding, so clergy set their own fees to cover ministry costs. Some don’t charge for baptisms or visiting the sick, and most don’t charge for last rites. Weddings, funerals, house blessings, and vow renewals usually attract a fee. In some cases, a donation may be suggested.

Q. How do you get along with the local Church of England?

It varies. Some independent clergy have good relationships with Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other churches. Others stay independent due to misunderstanding or hostility from local clergy. Independent ministers are often invited to preach or fill in for absent clergy in other denominations when relationships are positive.

Q. Is “independent catholic clergy” the same as The Society for Independent Christian Ministry (S.I.C.M.)?

No. The Society welcomes independent clergy and pastors from all backgrounds, including those not linked to any specific tradition. Members may hold a wide range of Christian beliefs, and not all are Trinitarian or part of the Apostolic Succession.

Q. Do all independent clergy run their own churches?

No. Like the Anglican Church, there’s a mix. Some lead regular congregations or act as chaplains. Others are “worker priests” who serve in their everyday jobs and take services when needed. Some travel widely to minister on request, live in monastic communities, or work in support roles. Many combine roles and some have private chapels for small gatherings.

Q. If the priest doesn’t have a church, where can the service be held?

Almost anywhere suitable—homes, hotels, community halls, even outdoors. Sometimes other churches lend their space. The only real request is that the venue is respectful. While humour aside, most priests won’t marry you in a sex shop or baptise your child in a massage parlour!

Q. Why would someone choose you over their local Church of England or Catholic parish?

You’d have to ask them! Reasons vary—past disagreements with local clergy, or discomfort with certain appointments (e.g. women or openly gay priests). Independent churches offer more flexibility, often matching priests to people’s preferences. Some groups embrace diversity; others, like some Continuing Anglican churches, hold strict traditional views. The main appeal is freedom of choice outside mainstream church rules.

Q. How do I know if an independent priest is legitimate?

At face value, you can’t always tell—just as you can’t with clergy from major churches, which have had their own scandals. That said, ministers are generally trustworthy. To check, ask for their bishop’s details and speak with them, look them up online, or talk to others who’ve used their services. For events like weddings or funerals, ask for references from past clients.

Q. But there are some real villains out there aren’t there?

 Yes there are, and it is no good pretending that there aren’t. Some independent priests and even bishops are recidivist criminals who have been to prison for all kinds of crimes ranging from defrauding their church finances to bigamy and child abuse. A very few are independent because they were ‘defrocked’ (deprived of their Holy Orders) in a mainstream church! That is equally true of lawyers, estate agents, medical practitioners and every other kind of professional in society. Independent priests are no worse than society as a whole, and probably a great deal better. Your chances of picking a crook who will actually harm you are very small indeed. Remember also that all of us have done things in our past lives of which we are not proud, and of which we truly repent, and beg God’s forgiveness. There are priests who were once criminals, but who found God in a lengthy prison sentence, emerging to serve Him for the rest of their lives. Rest assured, with rare exceptions independent clergy are Godly people who seek only to serve you and spread the love of God in your life.

Q. Is there a rule of thumb for spotting charlatans?

Be suspicious of anyone using the title Archbishop if you discover that they don’t have any bishops of which they are the elected head. An Archbishop without bishops is either just a bishop or a charlatan. Do not touch with the proverbial barge-pole any independent cleric using the title His Eminence or His Beatitude. They are titles reserved for Popes and Patriarchs of mainstream churches. Anyone else using them is at best a meglomaniac and at worst a charlatan. What we do have are confidence tricksters in legitimate Holy Orders, and confidence tricksters who pretend to be in Holy Orders. They are all still confidence tricksters. If you are in doubt, check them out.

Q. What about real ‘loonies’?

Run away from anyone who claims to be a ‘sedevacantist’ priest. The word means ’empty chair’ and relates to people who live in a fantasy world that believes that the current Pope is a heretic and an imposter. There are at least eight pretend Popes around the world, five in America, one in Britain and one in Spain, and some have a very few clergy who are deranged enough to follow them. Avoid anyone who says they belong to the Holy Palmerian Church who are the followers of the successor of the false Pope Gregory XVII in Spain who died in 2005. ‘Palmerians’ have been spotted ‘recruiting’ outside Westminster R.C. Cathedral in London behind a wooden structure looking like a hot-dog stand. Treat with grave suspicion any priest who claims that his Apostolic Succession comes from the twice-excommunicated. now deceased, Vietnamese Archbishop Thuc. You are unlikely to come across such people in Britain, but there may be a very few of them about. Don’t fall victim to them.

Q. If I am suspicious of someone, how can I check them out?

Telephone the British Independent Clergy Register. This is a service run by a group of concerned lawyers to enable the public to obtain this sort of information. The Presiding Bishop in Australia is Peter McInnes and he is contactable through the ‘contact us’ page. The Register cannot guarantee to have the answer, but it is more likely than most to have it!

 
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