One of my biggest frustrations about the Independent Catholic Movement has been the absence of any serious academic formation program for the training of deacons and priests.
One of the greatest criticisms made about our movement has been the fact that we have so many priests, deacons and bishops who don't know the difference between a corporal and a doorknob. The overwhelming number of illiterate clergy within the movement is one of the reasons why the People of God so often take a pass on us.
During this past year and prior to our National Conference and Retreat this past June, our community learned of the existence of two academic formation programs: St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Beloved. Both of these formation programs have been created by and staffed by individuals who have themselves completed contemporary academic formation programs and have brought their experiences to bring fourth their seminary programs.
It is so long overdue.
At our National Conference the Evangelical Catholic Church approved both of these programs for our candidates for Orders to consider. Our community can now trust in the fact that our seminarians will be properly trained and prepared to serve the Sacramental and Pastoral needs of the People of God.
Thanks be to God!
Sincerely Yours,
+James Alan Wilkowski
Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest
Chicago, Illinois
www.evangelicalcatholicchurch.org/northwest.htm
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