Why do you use a Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer is used because worship should first of all be God centered rather than man centered. A liturgy is a useful tool in directing those in worship to be focused upon God rather than upon themselves. The prayers contained in the Prayer Book direct the worshipers to be holy, to understand the requirements of God's Law, to confess their sin and seek God for pardon. We affirm our common Faith in the Nicene or Apostle's Creed, and we are instructed in the proclamation of the Gospel during the sermon. As the church has historically maintained worship which combines WORD and SACRAMENT, our Book of Common Prayer (being more than 70% direct quotations from Scripture) also includes service for the administration of Holy Communion within the context of God's Word. It should also be pointed out that the Book of Common Prayer does not prohibit or restrict the freedom of each person to worship God in prayer.
What does Episcopal mean? And What about Bishops?
Episcopal is an English word derived from the Greek word episcopoV (episcopos ), meaning Bishop or Overseer. The Episcopal Church originated in England where it is known by the title Anglican. The Church of England (or Anglican Church) historically derived its ministry from the successors of the Apostles. The value of this historical lineage is evidenced by the fact that in the earliest centuries the Christian Church developed an Apostolic Creed, an Apostolic Canon (the Bible), and an Apostolic Ministry (in the form of Bishops). All three of these Apostolic features were viewed as being important in the foundation of the early church, especially as the Church was assaulted by heresies, schism, and false prophets. The Reformed Episcopal Church considers Bishops as an ancient and desirable form of Church Government, for the bene esse (well being) of the Church, however we do not teach that a church without bishops is an invalid church. Episcopacy is a form of polity in which ecclesiastical authority is after the pattern and example of Christ and not after the pattern of the world.
Why Choose the Reformed Episcopal Church as a place for Worship?
The Reformed Episcopal Church began in 1873 and has shown itself to be a paragon of stability since its founding. It does not seek to reinterpret Scripture to fit the dictates of our changing society as has been evidenced by so many denominations in recent days. The Reformed Episcopal Church has not fragmented into innumerable jurisdictions during its 125+ year existence, while other branches of "traditional" or "continuing" Episcopalianism regrettably seem to divide diurnally. The REC has simply proclaimed God's Word without compromise, established 3 seminaries, and now faithfully looks ahead to continuing in the mission started by Bishop Cummins nearly 125 years ago, restoring the old paths of our fathers.
Anglican Worship: Why Do We Do What We Do?
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