“Better to illuminate than merely to shine to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” – Thomas Aquinas INTRODUCTION Soon after sunset, on Manhattan Island, an unmarked white van slowly approaches the Library at Columbia University. Inside the van are cases of heavy equipment and a portable stage. The van parks in front…
All posts in V7 N1 2019
Managing Change: A recipe for survival and success
In my work as a hospice chaplain I have the pleasure and opportunity to teach new employees about culture, religion and spirituality. When I discuss the differences between religion and spirituality the orientation class is usually divided between people who have a negative opinion of religion but it’s always unanimous that spirituality is seen as…
A Return of Service in the Independent Movement
“I hear your call, but I walk with trepidation. Both the seen and unseen are strong motivators for a want of change towards a healthier expression of our faith – and yet… I, for one, have doubt. I am the Thomas needing to place my hands in the wounds, which sometimes causes me great distress.…
Beings of mud and fear: A perspective of the Reality in Latin America
When it comes to the subject of the reality of Latin America a thought comes to mind: misery. But the misery in our Latin American societies has several nuances, because we cannot reduce to a single point all that Latin America has, feels, and lives. When I mean: “beings of mud and fear”, I am…
Seres De Barro y Miedo: Una Perspectiva De La Realidad Latino Americana
Cuando abordamos la temática de la realidad latinoamericana se nos viene a la mente un pensamiento: la miseria. Pero la miseria en nuestras sociedades de Latinoamérica tiene varios matices porque no podemos reducir a un solo punto todo lo que Latinoamérica posee y siente y vive. Cuando me refiero a: “seres de barro y miedo”…
Changing you, Changing me
When I was asked to write on the topic of how to change or fix the independent catholic movement, I jumped at that the opportunity to write on many things I’ve experienced over the past 17 years; but each one carried with it a certain level of pain or animosity and I began to wonder…
Logs and Splinters: How to Improve the Independent Catholic Movement
There is a volume that, when the title is mentioned, still gives me the chills. “Bishops at Large” (Peter F. Anson, Apocryphil Press, 2006), is a heavy, heavy tome dedicated to the various Independent Catholic denominations that sprang up in the 19th and 20th centuries in the UK, Australia, and parts of America and Canada.…
Lord Have Mercy
When we forget the big things Acting for a better future for all Seeing the Christ in every person Lord Have Mercy When we forget the small things Acts of kindness like a smile or a hug To make someone’s life a bit brighter Lord Have Mercy These are just some Of the same prayers…
The laying on of hands
I was thinking about what I felt was something that needs improvement with in the ISM. My thoughts were coming up empty, as most of the ideas I had were already thought of by others, until just recently. I was invited to the ordination of a friend who is with another jurisdiction. I had attended…
From the Editor
As we begin our seventh year of publication, I felt it was time to tackle a very big question that we have chosen as a group not to discuss. That topic is the one of what is good, bad, or indifferent about the Independent Sacramental Movement. What can we change, improve, get rid of, or…