3. Independency. At first glance this view may seem identical with that of local sufficiency, but
there are a number of radical differences. However, extremes meet; and this is illustrated in the
elements of similarity between these two views.

The characteristic feature of Independency is, as its name indicates, that the local gathering is a
unit, whose association with other gatherings is very slight. It is competent not only to decide as
to local matters, but as to matters which are not local. Thus the fact that a person has been
received or ex-communicated by a neighboring gathering does not decide it for other gatherings.
Without dictating to the other gatherings, they will decide upon the case afresh, and act
accordingly_it may be in opposition to the previous decision. But this divergence is not a ground
of separation; the independency permits them to go on together, in a general way, with one who
is allowed at one place and refused at another.

Growing out of this is a denial of a "circle of fellowship"_various assemblies recognizing one
another as holding the same truth and having the same order. They claim that all fellowship is of
individuals with Christ; that this individual fellowship with Him is also the fellowship of His
Church, the only link and title to be recognized; that in this sense there is no real local assembly,
but only the general fellowship of the whole body. Closely connected with this is the teaching that
the possession of life is the only title to fellowship, and that we can only debar those who are not
really Christians. This is held only by some, and has been modified so that those under scriptural
discipline are also excluded.