Not-So-Alone

I often assume that most folks are not aware of the independent sacramental movement, so I was startled when I found out that a colleague of mine at Catholic Charities was very familiar with it. She is the wife of an Episcopal priest and it was very validating that in our conversation about church and clergy that we discovered that many of the 'pitfalls' that can be found in the ISM, are also found in the Episcopal church.

For example, I mentioned that sometimes it is difficult to feel a sense of legitimacy when there are bishops & other clergy who 'play church' or behave badly. She commented that the ISM isn't the only institution with leaders who behave badly.

On the other hand, we got to talk about some clergy who have touched our lives and who we admire.

It was a nice conversation. It seems that everytime that I feel isolated in this ministry, I have an experience like this that helps to feel not-so-alone.

Peace.

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