A sacramental is a sacred sign, object, or action instituted by the Church, rather than directly by Christ, to obtain spiritual effects and holiness in daily life.

What is a Sacramental?

• Definition: Sacred signs that imitate the sacraments and signify spiritual effects through the intercession and prayer of the Church.
• Purpose: They prepare individuals to receive grace, inspire devotion, and turn ordinary moments toward God, rather than acting as magic or lucky charms.
• Difference from Sacraments: The seven sacraments (like Baptism or the Eucharist) were instituted directly by Christ and confer grace by His power. Sacramentals work through the Church’s prayer and the believer’s personal faith.

Common Examples

• Objects: Rosaries, crucifixes, scapulars, holy medals, and holy water.
• Actions: The Sign of the Cross, blessings, and genuflecting.
• Prayers: Special prayers of blessing or consecration for people and places.

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Independent Sacramental Movement

The Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM) is a loose collection of autonomous Christian communities and clergy that practice historic, liturgical sacramental worship outside the jurisdiction of mainstream institutional bodies like the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Anglican Churches.

• Sacramental Focus: Celebrates the traditional seven sacraments (such as the Eucharist, Baptism, and Holy Orders).
• Apostolic Succession: Claims valid episcopal lineage and historic succession, often tracing roots through lines like the Old Catholic Church or independent consecrations.
• Structural Autonomy: Operates via self-governing micro-churches, house churches, or independent jurisdictions rather than a centralized hierarchy or papacy.
• Diverse Spectrum: Ranges from socially progressive and inclusive bodies (ordaining women and LGBTQ+ individuals, permitting married clergy) to traditional, esoteric, or conservative expressions.
• Clergy Model: Frequently relies on volunteer, bivocational, or solitary working clergy.

Origins

Many groups within the movement originated from historical schisms or departures from major traditional bodies, beginning notably with the Old Catholic movement of Utrecht in the 18th and 19th centuries and expanding through independent lines of succession.

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Eric Michel Ministries International (EMMI) is an independent religious organization and non-governmental organization (NGO) based out of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Operating within the broader ecosystem of the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), it runs an ecumenical network that supports small, self-governing Christian churches, ministries, and chaplains worldwide.