Conversation between Cathie Caimano and Sierra Ward
Sierra is the pastor of St. Jacob’s (St. Jacob's Substack ) and the founder of the New American Orthodox denomination.
Orthodox: The denomination emphasizes “right belief” informed by an Eastern Orthodox framework. This centers on the idea that God is not distant, but is already close, interested in reconciliation, healing, and restoration, in contrast to a Western focus on appeasing God through purity rules.
American: The “American” aspect is an embrace of the present-day context, which includes the freedom to challenge the status quo and a commitment to being defined by what the church is, rather than what it is not (i.e., not anti-Catholic).
New: The denomination is “new” because it is a “lab” that is intentionally forward-looking, seeking restoration and new life, rather than merely going back to the “old old.” The newness also allows for agility without the “heavy administrative bureaucratic structures” of mainline denominations.
Core Practices & Vision: New American Orthodox is committed to celebrating women in ministry and views all human beings as the image of God. Its unique “faith thread” involves weaving together Christian and Jewish traditions (like incorporating Old Testament festivals such as Shavuot) and American cultural touchstones (like incorporating Juneteenth) to deepen engagement with God’s story.
Structure: While currently small, the long-term vision is to be an “association” that can be replicated in other communities, rather than just Sierra’s local church. Sierra views the process of establishing boundaries and doctrine as messy, requiring formalization from others—like Martin Luther needing a Melanchthon—but finds current oversight and support through a local ministerial association and Substack Seminary.
Outline of the Conversation
Introduction to New American Orthodox
Cathie Caimano and Sierra Ward live between Quarters of Substack Seminary.
Sierra is returning as a guest practitioner for Q2.
Cathie introduces the topic: Sierra’s denomination, New American Orthodox, and the meaning of its name.
The Impetus for Starting a New Denomination
Sierra felt “unhomed” and unrepresented in previous church experiences.
Desire for a church that celebrates women in ministry and affirms all as the image of God.
The conviction that there is an “empty space” and room for “another way of being.”
Vision for replication to build something helpful for future generations, not just a local congregation.
Comparing the process to Martin Luther, a “crank” who started a new path unintentionally.
Deconstructing the Name
The “Orthodox” Part (Right Belief):
Inspired by the Eastern Orthodox belief that God is close, interested in healing, restoration, and reconciliation.
A rejection of the Western church’s tendency to focus on appeasing God.
Reading the Bible with the framework that God is already present and humanity has wandered away.
The “American” Part (Context):
Acknowledging the American tradition of challenging the status quo.
Not defined by what it is “not” (e.g., not anti-Catholic), but by its American context.
Recognizing that parts of Eastern Orthodoxy may not fit their current context (e.g., Sierra is a woman).
The “New” Part (Forward Movement):
New because it is unseen and looking forward to resurrection and new life.
Embracing a reforming idea, but not simply trying to revert to the “old old.”
Discussion on Institutional Structure and Boundaries
Cathie expresses concern about the word “denomination” implying institutional bureaucracy and “red tape.”
Sierra embraces the idea of setting boundaries and “policy” (like the intent of Leviticus) to define core beliefs (e.g., for women in ministry).
Plans for ordination and new churches are in development; the current model is more of an “association.”
Sierra sees herself as a pioneering “crank” who needs collaborators (”a Melanchthon”) to formalize the ideas.
Unique practices include weaving together Christian and Jewish tradition, such as celebrating the festival of Shavuot and incorporating the American holiday Juneteenth.
The value of being a “lab” that can pivot without bureaucracy.
Conclusion and Substack Seminary Promotion
The need for oversight is currently fulfilled by a local ministerial association and Substack Seminary.
Substack Seminary provides support, training, and community for ministers doing innovative, “orphan weirdo” ministry.
‘You’re not weird - you’re early. And now you’re right on time.
Next quarter starts on April 13th.
