Editing Independent Catholicism (section)

==Independent Catholic clergy==

Independent Catholicism comprises a wide variety of clergy, many of whom are "primarily [[ritually]] focused"{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=67}} and possess "a particularly strong attachment to the [[liturgical]] aspect of being Christian."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=67}}

Many Independent Catholic clergy and their communities are "those who have felt themselves excluded from the mainstream liturgical churches due to gender, sexuality, race, culture, style of worship [...] or theology."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=66}} Plummer says that within the [[Independent Sacramental Movement]], which includes Independent Catholicism, "[[ordination]] is often open to a much larger percentage of the membership than in mainstream churches. Thus, those who want to become priests can generally do so. In the case of women and [[LGBT|gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons]], there is a redemptive reversal in which those who were denied a public role in the church's sacramental life have assumed the previously forbidden place at the altar. Persons from ethnic or cultural minority groups who have been denied leadership positions, or who feel that their culture has been stifled, can work to more fully integrate their cultural identity and their faith [...]. Thus, we have those who have been excluded from the church's sacramental life, for whatever reasons, taking ownership of the liturgical traditions, and creatively innovating to form new communities.".{{sfn|Plummer|2004|pp=66–68}}

Outside of mainstream churches, Plummer says, such clergy "have often been accused of 'playing church.' Perhaps there is a grain of truth in that barb, as there is a touch of a playful attitude, when all these unlikely folks process into the church's sanctuary."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=67}}

Independent Catholic clergy have been described as "often very attached to their individual views of theology, liturgy, and other matters [...] and would rather belong to minuscule groups which more closely approximate their vision of Christianity."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|pp=2–3}} Plummer shares: "Many independent clergy, perhaps a majority, at least theoretically subscribe to fairly standard Catholic/[[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]]/[[Anglican]] theology, with few distinctive beyond, for instance, the rejection of [[papal infallibility]]. Most spent many years within those mainstream jurisdictions [and now as independent Catholic clergy] they have often expended great energy in appearing 'real,' and 'just like' the larger liturgical churches, with only one or two adjustments."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=69}}

Many Independent Catholic clergy are "essentially alone in their priestly practice"{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=64}} and exercise a primarily solitary vocation, with many of their family members and friends not even knowing of their clerical status.{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=2}} In line with [[Jesus]]' command to pray to God in secret<ref>Matthew 6:6.</ref> and with the monastic tradition of [[hermit]] priests (e.g., Catholic [[Carthusians]]) praying alone but in mystical union with the entire church and interceding for the entire world, much of their worship is performed in private.{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=92}} Plummer suggests: "A growing number of clergy are comfortable with private celebration, when a community is not available, or if they have discerned that their vocation is largely a hidden one [...].Private celebration is often grounded in a deep conviction of the objective reality and efficacy of the sacraments. From such a perspective, even a mass said in one's living room unknown to any other soul, is still a radiant gift to the world, and a powerful prayer for those held in mind and heart. On a less exalted level, private masses for those without a community enforce one's priestly identity, which may be outwardly expressed in less obvious ways."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|pp=64–65}} Practically speaking, Plummer says, "viable independent communities are not always easily created, and these clergy would deprive themselves of the benefits of communion, and of the joining of themselves to Christ in his sacrifice, if they waited for the presence of others in order to approach the altar."{{sfn|Plummer|2004|pp=114–115}}

Often volunteering their time in ministry, many Independent Catholic bishops, priests and deacons are a "working clergy" who support themselves and their ministries with jobs outside their ministries. As such, many often struggle to integrate their secular jobs and "ordinary" lives with their vocations and ministries.{{sfn|Plummer|2004|p=119}}