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Glossary of Terms
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Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from "An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians," Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.
Note: Abbreviation BCP refers to Book of Common Prayer.
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Absolution
The formal act by a bishop or priest of pronouncing God's forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
Adoration
An expression of supreme love and worship for God alone.
Agape
Selfless Christian love. Agape reflects the love of God, and it is the kind of love that Christians are called to share with one another.
Amen
Congregational response of assent to liturgical prayers. Amen derives from a Hebrew word that means "truly" or "so be it."
Anglican Communion
Churches in communion with the See of Canterbury throughout the world.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
A collection of intercessions for provinces, dioceses, and bishops throughout the Anglican Communion.
Anglicanism
The system of doctrine, and approach to polity of Christians in communion with the See of Canterbury.
Antinomianism
From the Greek anti, "against," and nomos, "law," the term is given to teaching opposed to the binding character of moral law.
Apostasy
From the Greek apo, "away from," and stasis "standing," literally meaning a "standing apart," apostasy is used in Christian theology to speak of total renunciation of faith in Christ and abandonment of Christianity.
Apostolic Succession
The belief that bishops are the successors to the apostles and that episcopal authority is derived from the apostles by an unbroken succession in the ministry.
Apostolic Tradition
The belief that the church continues the faith and work of the apostles.
Apostolicae Curae
The Encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII on Sept. 13, 1896, in which Anglican holy orders were condemned as invalid through defect of form and intention in the Ordinal of Edward VII.
Archbishop
A bishop with administrative and disciplinary authority over other bishops.
Archdeacon
A clergyperson with a defined administrative authority delegated by the diocesan bishop.
Assistant Bishop
A bishop who assists the diocesan bishop by providing additional episcopal services.
Authority, Sources of (in Anglicanism)
The threefold sources of authority in Anglicanism are scripture, tradition, and reason.
Baptism
Full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the church.
Baptismal Covenant
The rite of Christian initiation contains a series of vows, made by all present, called the "baptismal covenant" (BCP, pp. 304-305). In the Episcopal Church the baptismal covenant is widely regarded as the normative statement of what it means to follow Christ.
Bible, The
Holy Scriptures of the OT and NT, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, containing all things necessary to salvation.
Bilateral Dialogues
Ecumenical dialogues that are held between two churches ("two-sided"), rather than "multilateral" or between many churches.
Bishop
One of the three orders of ordained ministers in the church, bishops are charged with the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the church. Bishops represent Christ and his church, and they are called to provide Christian vision and leadership for their dioceses.
Bishop and Council
In some dioceses, Bishop and Council is the group which exercises all powers of the diocesan convention between meetings of the convention.
Bishop Coadjutor
Assistant bishop with the right of succession upon the resignation of the diocesan bishop.
Bishop-elect
A presbyter elected to the episcopate but not yet ordained and consecrated.
Bishop, Provisional
A bishop authorized to serve a diocese whose own bishop is unable to fulfill that ministry due to disability or judicial sentence.
Bishop Visitor or Protector
The bishop named to have an official, canonical relationship with a religious order.
Bishops, House of
This house, along with the House of Deputies of the General Convention, is composed of all bishops, active and retired, of the church. It meets concurrently with the House of Deputies during General Convention, and also holds yearly meetings between conventions.
Blasphemy
An expression of contempt for God.
Blessing
A sacerdotal pronouncement of God's love and favor, addressed to one or more persons. A blessing may also be used to consecrate or dedicate something to holy use.
Book of Common Prayer, The (BCP)
Official book of worship of the Episcopal Church.
Book of Occasional Services, The (BOS)
Book of optional services and texts available for "occasional" pastoral and liturgical needs of congregations.
Canon
In church law, the written rules that provide a code of laws for the governance of the church.
Canonical Residence
Clergy serving under the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical authority of a diocese (typically the diocesan bishop) are canonically resident in that diocese.
Canterbury
The city in southeastern England that became the ecclesiastical center for England and, eventually, the Anglican Communion.
Canterbury, Archbishop of
In the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury is the "Primate of all England and Metropolitan" of the ecclesiastical province of Canterbury in southern England. The Archbishop of Canterbury presides over the Lambeth Conferences, the decennial meeting of the bishops of the Anglican Communion, and is president of the Anglican Consultative Council.
"Cardinal Rector"
An influential rector, usually of a large parish.
Cathedral
A church that contains the diocesan bishop's seat, throne, or cathedra. The cathedral is the principal church of the diocese.
Catholic
Derived from the Greek word meaning "general" or "universal," the phrase "the catholic church" was first used by Ignatius of Antioch in the early second century.
Celebrant
The bishop or priest who presides at the eucharist and at baptism, and at other sacramental and liturgical occasions.
Chancellor
In the Episcopal Church a chancellor is a legal adviser appointed by the Presiding Bishop or a diocesan bishop.
Chastity
The term literally means "purity" and usually refers to sexual purity. In the development of Christian sexual ethics this has meant virginity for the unmarried, fidelity for the married, and continence for the widowed.
Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral
Statement of the four Anglican essentials for a reunited Christian Church. It concerns the scriptures, creeds, sacraments, and the historic episcopate.
Christendom
Christianity, or Christians collectively, or the regions where Christianity is the dominant faith ("the Christian world").
Church, The
The community of faith headed by Christ, the body of Christ in the world (see 1 Cor 12:12-27; Eph 1:22-23, 4:12, 5:29-30).
Church of England
The Church of England is divided into the Province of Canterbury and the Province of York. The Archbishop of York is the Primate of England and Metropolitan, and the Archbishop of Canterbury is the Primate of all England and Metropolitan. The Province of Canterbury consists of thirty-one dioceses and the Province of York consists of fourteen dioceses.
Clergy, Members of the
Persons in holy orders, ordained for the ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon. The Episcopal Church canons concerning ordination for these ministries are equally applicable to men and women.
Clericalism
A pejorative term that indicates a condescending attitude by one or more members of the clergy, an exaggerated deference to the clergy, or an inappropriate concentration of power in the clergy.
Collect
A short liturgical prayer, variable according to the day, the season of the church year, and the occasion. It is typically a single sentence.
Collegiality
The principle that bishops are ordained (consecrated) into a college. It is based on the assumption that bishops succeed the apostles collectively, not individually.
Communicant
One who receives Holy Communion. Communicants are defined in the canons as all members of this church who have received Holy Communion at least three times in the past year.
Communion
The term means "union with." It is used in phrases such as "the Anglican Communion" and "the communion of saints." The term is used to translate the Greek koinonia.
Companion Diocese
A diocese of the Episcopal Church may enter into a companion relationship with an overseas diocese of the Anglican Communion, which includes mutual encouragement and prayer, intensified understanding and concern, and the exchange of both spiritual and material resources.
Compass Rose
The emblem of the Anglican Communion.
Confessionalism
Adherence of a church or denomination to particular standards, expressions, confessions, doctrines, or symbols of faith.
Congregation
A gathering of people for worship. The term may also refer to a parish church, or the people who participate in the life of the parish.
Conscience
A person's moral judgment upon himself or herself. It often indicates the sense of judgment of right or wrong regarding what has been done.
Consecration
To set something or someone apart for a sacred purpose.
Constitution of the Episcopal Church
A document of church government first adopted by the General Convention of the Church in 1789.
Court for the Trial of a Bishop
It has original jurisdiction to try all Presentments made against a bishop. The court consists of nine bishops, three of whom shall be elected at each General Convention by the House of Bishops for a nine-year term.
Court of Review of the Trial of a Bishop
This court has appellate jurisdiction to hear all appeals from a convicted bishop.
Covenant
A binding agreement that is freely entered into by two or more parties. The parties to this solemn agreement may be individuals or groups of people. They may be of equal or unequal status.
Creed
A concise and formal statement of basic beliefs about God. The term is derived from the Latin credo, "I believe."
Cross
The instrument of Jesus' death and the central symbol of the Christian faith.
Crozier, or Crosier
The pastoral staff of a bishop. It was originally a walking stick and later acquired the symbolism of a shepherd's crook. It is a sign of pastoral authority.
Curate
The term typically refers to an assisting priest in a parish. It is from the Latin curatus, "entrusted with the care" of something.
Deacon
Deacons are members of one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry (with bishops and presbyters). In the Episcopal Church a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servanthood" directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those in need (BCP, p. 543).
Declaration of Consent
Statement of belief in the scriptures and conformity to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church by an ordinand in the ordination service.
Depose, Sentence of Deposition
Sentence of ecclesiastical discipline pronounced by a bishop that permanently excludes the exercise of ordained ministry by the bishop, priest, or deacon who is deposed.
Deposit of Faith, The
The saving revelation of Christ that has been given to the church, especially as known through biblical witness and tradition.
Deposition
In canon law, a deposition is a sentence that removes or deposes a bishop, priest, or deacon from the ordained ministry. A member of the clergy who is deposed is entirely banned from the sacred ministry, and not merely changed from one order to another.
Deputies, House of
The House of Deputies is the oldest of the two Houses of General Convention. It has equal numbers of clergy and lay deputies selected by the dioceses of the church.
Deputy
Each diocese, area mission, and the Convocation of the American Churches in Europe is entitled to not more than four ordained and not more than four lay representatives in the House of Deputies. These clergy and lay representatives are called deputies.
Diocese
The territorial jurisdiction of a diocesan bishop. The term also refers to the congregations and church members of the diocese. Some persons insist that the diocese is the primary unit in the Episcopal Church.
Discipline
In a general sense, the right ordering of Christian life and community. In a specific sense, ecclesiastical discipline refers to the canonical provisions for presentment and trial of a member of the clergy.
Doctrine
The term is from the Latin docere, "to tech." It means teaching or instruction in the most general sense. Doctrine is distinguished from dogma because, unlike dogma, it is not officially promulgated.
Dogma
Definitive teaching of the church which is to be believed by the members of the church. Heresy may be understood as the formal and deliberate rejection of a dogma.
Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society
The missionary organization and corporate body of the Episcopal Church.
Donatism
Fourth-century rigorist North African schism based on the belief that the validity of a sacrament depended on the personal virtue of the celebrant.
Ecclesiology
From the Greek ekklesia, "church," and logia, "doctrine," the term refers to the doctrine of the church.
Ecumenical Councils
From New Testament times the church has relied on the decisions of councils called by recognized authority to settle disputes over doctrine and discipline. When a council involves representative bishops from the whole church, it is called "general." When the decisions of a council are recognized by the whole church, it is called "ecumenical" (from the Greek oikoumen', "inhabited world").
Elizabethan Settlement
Religious and political arrangements worked out during the reign of Elizabeth I in England, which sought to be an inclusive middle course between divergent religious positions in English Christianity.
Enlightenment, The
An intellectual and cultural development which emphasized the ability of human reason to grasp the ultimate meaning of life and creation in terms of self-evident truths. It was widespread in western Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Episcopal
Concerning the Episcopal Church, or concerning a bishop or bishops.
Episcopal Church, The
The Anglican church in the United States, known prior to the American Revolution as the Church of England. It is governed by a bicameral General Convention, which meets every three years, and by an Executive Council during interim years. The Episcopal Church is a province of the Anglican Communion.
Episcopal Church Center
The national headquarters for the Episcopal Church, located in New York City.
Episcopal Visitation
A bishop's official pastoral visit to a congregation of the diocese.
Episcopal Visitors
Bishops who provide episcopal sacramental acts for Episcopal congregations upon the request and under the authority of the Ecclesiastical Authority of a diocese.
Episcopalian
A member of the Episcopal Church. The term is used as a noun, not as an adjective. The term can be applied to a member of any church under the leadership of bishops.
Episcopate, Episcopacy, Episcopos
Church governance under the leadership of bishops.
Evangelical
Formed from the noun evangel (from the Greek euanggelion, "good news"), evangelicals reflect a characteristic emphasis on personal religion and religious emotion, personal conversion, the authority of the Bible as centered in the revelation of God in Christ, the importance of justification by faith, the preaching of the Word and the study of the gospel, the centrality of the cross for salvation, the importance of the believer's direct relationship with God, and a desire for pure and undefiled religion which included a strong aversion to worldliness and threats to public morals.
Ex Opere Operato
From the Latin, meaning "by the work done." In sacramental theology, the objective reality and effectiveness of the sacraments when validly celebrated, regardless of the subjective attitudes or qualities of the ministers or recipients.
Excommunication
The disciplinary exclusion of a person from receiving communion by competent religious authority. It represents exclusion from the corporate life of the church. Excommunication was intended to encourage repentance and not meant to be a punishment.
Executive Council of the Episcopal Church
The national body that administers the program and policies adopted by the General Convention.
Exegesis
Literally a "leading out." The term is used in biblical studies to signify the drawing out of the meaning of the texts of Holy Scripture.
Exorcism
The driving out of evil spirits from persons or places with authority derived from Christ.
Forgiveness
To forgive is to give up or absolve legitimate claims upon another, as when a debt is forgiven. In forgiveness, a relationship is restored or renewed.
Full Communion
The mutual recognition of the members and ministry of two or more churches and the common recognition of the validity of the sacraments of the churches. Churches so related remain canonically distinct and need not assent to all the doctrines, customs, and practices of each other. Such communion is found among the churches of the Anglican Communion and between the Anglican and Old Catholic churches.
Fundamentalism
A movement of Christian thought which arose during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The word has come to describe the most extreme, closed-minded, militant opposition to a changing liberal theology. By extension, the term has also been applied to militant or extreme movements in other nations and religious traditions.
General Convention
The national legislative body of the Episcopal Church. It consists of a House of Bishops, which includes all active and retired bishops, and a House of Deputies, which includes four laypersons and four clergy from each diocese, each area mission, and the Convocation of the American Churches in Europe. The Convention meets every three years.
Gnosticism
The term (from the Greek gnosis, "knowledge") refers to a loosely defined group of religious sects which flourished near the beginning of the Christian era. They were called gnostics because they consistently understood salvation as a deliverance from the material world and held that salvation came through knowledge of "otherworldly things." This knowledge was usually secret.
Gospel
The English word "gospel" (from Anglo-Saxon godspel) or "good news" translates the Greek euangelion. Originally in Christian usage it meant the good news of God's saving act in Jesus Christ, focused on the cross and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-11).
Grace
God's love freely given to humanity for salvation. The term is from the Latin gratia, a "gift or favor freely given," translating the Greek NT charis.
Heaven
Eternal life in our enjoyment of God (BCP, p. 862). The unending fulfillment of salvation and happiness in relationship with God.
Hell
Eternal death in our rejection of God (BCP, p. 862).
Heresy
The term is derived from the Greek hairesis, which means "choice" or "thing chosen." Traditionally, heresy was the sin of a baptized and professing Christian who denied a defined doctrine of the faith. Heresy is distinguished from apostasy, the abandonment of the church by one who denies the church's teaching; and from schism, the fracturing of the church's unity for reasons other than disagreement in basic doctrine.
Historic Episcopate
The succession of bishops in the history of the church from the apostles until the present.
Holy Orders
The ordained ministries of bishops, priests (presbyters), and deacons. Canonical provisions concerning ordination to these three orders are equally applicable to men and women in the Episcopal Church.
Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity.
Hymnal, The
The collection of hymns, tunes, and service music authorized for use in the Episcopal Church by General Convention. It is published by Church Publishing Incorporated, formerly Church Hymnal Corporation, a subsidiary of the Church Pension Fund.
Incarnation
The term, from the Latin carnis ("flesh") literally means "enfleshment." It reflects the christological doctrine that Jesus was fully human and fully divine, the Son of God "in the flesh."
Inclusive Language
Spoken and written language that intentionally avoids word use that is needlessly gender-specific or exclusive.
Inerrancy, Biblical
The belief that the Bible contains no errors, whether theological, moral, historical, or scientific.
Intention
Conscious or willful purpose to do something. In terms of moral theology, intention is associated with moral responsibility for an action. In terms of sacramental theology, proper intention is required on the part of the minister of the sacrament or sacramental rite. If the proper intention is lacking, the sacrament or sacramental rite is not understood to be valid.
Intercession
Prayer for another or others. Intercession "brings before God the needs of others" (BCP, p. 857). Intercession is one of the seven principal kinds of prayer (BCP, p. 856).
Intinction
Administration of the consecrated bread and wine of the eucharist at the same time, typically by dipping the bread in the wine and placing the moistened host in the mouth.
Jesus Christ
The Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, the savior and redeemer of humanity, the Word of God who was made flesh and dwelt among us in the world (see Jn 1:1-18).
Jubilee Ministry
A social justice ministry of advocacy and service for the poor and oppressed. It is a network of parish and diocesan Jubilee Centers throughout the Episcopal Church.
Jurisdiction (episcopal)
A bishop's canonical authority over an area, typically a diocese. The diocesan bishop has jurisdiction in his or her diocese.
Koinonia
The common life and fellowship of love shared by Christians with Christ and with each other in Christ.
Laity
The people of God. The term is from the Greek laos, "the people."
Lambeth Conference
Neither a synod nor general council, the meeting is a purely informal gathering of bishops meeting at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, with no power to make binding decisions. The Conference has met at ten-year intervals, except during time of war.
Lambeth Palace
The London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for seven centuries. It is located on the Thames Embankment opposite the Houses of Parliament, and it has been the location of many historic events.
Lesser Feasts and Fasts, The (LFF)
A collection of proper collects, lessons, and psalms for the eucharist on each of the weekdays of Lent, weekdays of Easter season, and each of the lesser feasts of the church year. It also includes a biographical or historical sketch for the lesser feasts and fixed holy days.
Lesson
A selection of scripture that serves as a reading for a church service. It is also known as a lection or a reading.
Letter of Agreement
A written agreement concerning terms of employment, either for a priest in charge of a congregation or a member of a diocesan staff.
Letters Dimissory
A testimonial by the ecclesiastical authority of the former diocese (typically a bishop) that a clergyperson has not "been justly liable to evil report, for error in religion or for viciousness of life, for the last three years." The transfer of canonical residence is dated from the acceptance of Letters Dimissory by the ecclesiastical authority.
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi
A Latin phrase often used in the study of liturgy, it means "the rule of prayer [is] the rule of belief."
Liturgy
The church's public worship of God. The term is derived from Greek words for "people" and "work."The term "liturgy" may refer to the rites or texts that order the church's worship. It may indicate in particular the eucharist, which is also known as the Divine Liturgy (BCP, p. 859).
Locum tenens
A member of the clergy who temporarily fills the office of another. From the Latin, "to hold a place."
Manicheism, Manichaeism
This dualistic heresy was named after Manes, a third-century Babylonian. He taught that matter is evil and salvation consists in freeing the human soul from its commingling with the physical body.
Marriage
The sacramental rite of the church in which a woman and a man "enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows" (BCP, p. 861).
Mass
A term for the Holy Eucharist. It is primarily used by Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and Lutherans.
Messiah
From the Hebrew, "anointed" or "anointed one," indicating a person who has been anointed with oil. Messiah is translated in Greek as christos, and the title "Christ" is derived from it.
Methodists, Methodism
A group of Protestant churches founded in England in the eighteenth century on the principles and practices of John Wesley, a priest of the Church of England. Methodism spread from England to the American colonies.
Minister
One who shares in the ministry of the church. The ministers of the church are lay people, bishops, priests, and deacons (BCP, p. 855). In many Protestant denominations, the term is applied exclusively to members of the clergy.
Mission
From the Latin "to send." Christian mission is the sending forth to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Catechism notes that the mission of the church is "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ." The church pursues its mission "as it prays and worships, proclaims the gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love." This mission is carried out through all members of the church (BCP, p. 855).
Miter, or Mitre
Liturgical headgear and insignia of bishops and other prelates. It is typically worn by bishops in procession and when pronouncing episcopal blessings. The term is from the Greek for "turban." The miter is shield-shaped and pointed at the top.
Narthex
An entry space, foyer, or anteroom of a church between the door and the nave. The term is from the Greek for a "small case."
Natural Law
Universal moral law that is given by God and knowable by human reason. It has been understood in terms of ethics that can be derived from reflection on ordinary human experience and contrasted with law that is divinely revealed. Natural law may be understood as a rule of action that is implicit in the very nature of things. The specific content of the universal moral laws and their application has been subject to disagreement.
Nave
The place in the church building for the congregation. The term may be derived from the Latin navis, "ship," which was an early symbol of the church.
New Covenant
The new relationship with God given by Jesus Christ. The term "new covenant" has occasionally been used to indicate the New Testament.
New Testament
The collection of 27 early Christian writings accepted as canonical by all Christian confessions and denominations.
Offering, Offerings
Gifts presented at a church service or other gathering.
Officiant
The person who leads the Daily Office or another church service. The term may indicate a member of the clergy or a lay person.
Old Testament
The name traditionally given to the first thirty-nine books of the Christian Bible, i.e., Genesis through Malachi in Protestant versions. The Hebrew Bible itself consists of the thirty-nine books of the Protestant Bible but in a different order
The term "testament" comes from the Latin translation of the Hebrew word berith, which means "covenant."
Ordinand
One who is ordained at the ordination of a bishop, priest, or deacon.
Ordinary (of a diocese)
A diocesan bishop, as distinct from a suffragan, assistant, or coadjutor bishop. The term apparently springs from the understanding of "ordinary jurisdiction" which is held in canon law to be the jurisdiction "permanently and irremovably annexed to" the office of bishop.
Ordination
A sacramental rite of the church by which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons (BCP, pp. 860-861).
Pantheism
Belief that God is all creation and that all creation is God. From the Greek pan, "all," and theos, "god."
Parish
A self-supporting congregation under a rector, as opposed to a mission or other congregation under a vicar. The term is used without any specific definition other than a "Congregation of this Church" in the canons of the Episcopal Church.
Parochial Report (Annual Report)
This report is the official data-gathering instrument of the Episcopal Church. Each parish or congregation files this report annually with the diocesan bishop. The Parochial Report provides important information for the use of parishes, dioceses, and the whole Episcopal Church.
Pastor, Pastoral Ministry
The word "pastor" derives from the work of tending sheep: a pastor is one who cares for sheep. A priest is a pastor for his or her congregation in the sense that he or she cares for the people, protects them and directs them, and feeds them with spiritual food in the Holy Eucharist. Similarly, a bishop is a chief pastor because she or he has oversight of all those pastors who care for the people committed to their care.
Pastoral Care
The ministry of caring at the heart of the church's life.
Pastoral Letter
From the Latin littera pastoral, the original definition was an official letter addressed by a bishop to all members of the diocese. Pastoral letters may be issued in the Episcopal Church by the Presiding Bishop, the House of Bishops, or any diocesan bishop. The canons require that pastoral letters of the House of Bishops and diocesan bishops be read or otherwise distributed to the people.
Penitence
Prayer in which we confess our sins and make restitution where possible, with the intention to amend our lives (BCP, p. 857).
Pentateuch
The biblical books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The term is from the Greek for "five" and "book." The Pentateuch is traditionally called the Five Books of Moses. The Hebrew term Torah is also used to indicate the Pentateuch.
Plate (Offering)
Undesignated or "loose" offering of money that is among the gifts presented at the offertory (BCP, pp. 333, 361).
Pledge
A commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God's generosity.
Plenary Inspiration
The belief that the entire Bible comes from authors whose hearts and minds were inspired by God.
Polity
The term is derived from the Greek word for "city." In ecclesiastical use polity has come to refer also to the form of government for an organized church. Episcopal polity describes a church in which the source of authority is the college of bishops, typically bishops within the historic episcopate. In Anglican churches, bishops share power with presbyters and laity under a constitution.
Position Paper
A paper issued by the House of Bishops which expresses the position of the House on any given subject or issue.
Prayer
The experience of corporate or individual nearness with God, through words, acts, or silence.
Prelate
In the Anglican tradition, the term indicates a bishop. The term "prelacy" has been used pejoratively to describe ecclesiastical governance by bishops. The term is seldom used in the Episcopal Church.
Presbyter, Presbyterate
From the Greek presbyteros, "elder" or "old man." In the NT, "presbyter" indicates a leader of the church. The English word "priest" is derived from "presbyter," and used as a synonym for presbyter. The 1979 BCP uses both terms.
Presentment
This is a formal allegation of a canonical offense by an ordained person.
Presiding Bishop
Chief Pastor and Primate of the Episcopal Church. As "Chief Pastor," the Presiding Bishop is charged with initiating and developing church policy and strategy, speaking God's Word to the church and the world, and visiting every diocese of the church.
Primacy
In ecclesiastical terms, primacy is the status of being first, or presiding, among other bishops. There are many regional primates in the worldwide Anglican Communion today. They are variously known as primate, metropolitan, archbishop, or primus. In the Anglican Communion, the place of honor (but not of jurisdiction) is always given to the See of Canterbury.
Primate
The chief bishop in an Anglican Province is called a primate. In the United States, the Presiding Bishop serves as "Chief Pastor and Primate."
Protestantism
Western Christianity that is not subject to papal authority. Anglicans are categorized as Protestants by many Roman Catholics, Protestants, and some Anglicans. However, some Anglicans are ambivalent about being categorized as Protestants because of the importance of the catholic tradition in Anglicanism. In this regard, catholicity is understood in terms of what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all in the church rather than submission to papal authority and Roman Catholic doctrine. The Anglican, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches are understood by some Anglicans to be branches of the one holy catholic and apostolic church.
Province
An internal division of an autonomous national (or multi-national) church of the Anglican Communion. , or an autonomous national church member of the Anglican Communion.
Puritanism
A reform movement in the Church of England during the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Rationalism
In Christian theology, rationalism (from the Latin ratio, meaning "reason") indicates a mode of thought in which human reason is the ultimate authority in establishing religious truth. In normative Anglican theology, reason is treated as one of three related sources of authority, along with scripture and tradition.
Real Presence
The presence of Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Belief in the real presence does not imply a claim to know how Christ is present in the eucharistic elements. Belief in the real presence does not imply belief that the consecrated eucharistic elements cease to be bread and wine.
Reason
One of the three sources of authority in Anglicanism, along with scripture and tradition. Reason interprets scripture and tradition and allows itself to be corrected and enlarged by them.
Recant
To retract. Used especially in regard to a charge of ecclesiastical misdoing or heresy, the word meant to repent of a prohibited or heretical act.
Reception (of Doctrine)
Consent of the faithful to statements of the church's faith.
Reconciliation
The church's ministry of reconciliation is from God, "who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Cor 5:18). The ministry of reconciliation has been committed by Christ to the church. It is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and through the priesthood of the church and its ministers declaring absolution (BCP, p. 446).
Rector
The priest in charge of a parish. Typically, a rector is the priest in charge of a self-supporting parish, and a vicar is the priest in charge of a supported mission.
Renunciation (of orders)
A member of the clergy not under presentment for a canonical offense may renounce his or her orders and be removed from the active exercise of the ordained ministry.
Resolution
A proposed action or decision that is to be considered by a legislative body such as the House of Bishops or the House of Deputies at General Convention, or at a diocesan convention, or at the gathering of another representative legislative body.
Restoration (Ministry)
A member of the clergy who has been suspended, removed, or deposed may be restored to active exercise of the ordained ministry under certain conditions. The technical term used is "remission of sentence."
Resurrection of Jesus
The belief that Jesus was raised bodily from the dead by God on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion and burial, exalting him to the near presence of God in eternal glory. The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of Christianity (Acts 2:22-36).
Reverend, The
An adjective used in formally addressing a member of the clergy. The term is incorrectly used as a noun title (like bishop or sister) to refer to a member of the clergy. "The Very Reverend" indicates a dean of a deanery, a seminary, or a cathedral. "The Right Reverend" indicates a bishop, an abbot or abbess, or other prelate. "The Most Reverend" indicates an archbishop or primate.
Righteousness
Living in right relationship with God and others. Unrighteous behavior would tend to undermine right relationship with God. Righteousness is understood in terms of right relationship with God and others and not primarily in ethical or legal terms.
Rite 1, Rite 2
The 1979 BCP provides the services of Morning and Evening Prayer, the Holy Eucharist, and the Burial Office in both traditional language and contemporary language rites. The traditional language rites are known as Rite 1, and the contemporary language rites are known as Rite 2.
Ritual
Liturgical texts and ceremonies of divine worship.
Sacramental Rites
The sacramental rites of the Episcopal Church include Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction (BCP, pp. 860-861). These rites are distinguished from the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, which were given by Christ and are understood to be necessary for the Christian life of all persons.
Sacramentals
The Prayer Book Catechism notes that the sacramental rites of Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction evolved in the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (BCP, pp. 860-861). These other sacramental rites, or sacramentals, are distinguished from Baptism and the Eucharist, the two great sacraments of the gospel.
Sacraments
Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means for receiving God's grace. Baptism and Eucharist are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his church. (BCP, pp. 857-858).
Sacristy
The room adjoining a church where vestments, altar hangings and linens, sacred vessels, and liturgical books are kept until needed for use in worship. Clergy typically vest in the sacristy.
Saint
A holy person, a faithful Christian, one who shares life in Christ. The term may also indicate one who has been formally canonized or recognized as a saint by church authority.
Sanctification
A theological term which derives from the Latin sanctus, "holy." By extension it thus refers to all those who, in Christ, participate in the holiness of God through baptism.
Sanctuary
Holy place, usually the worship space of a church. Sanctuary may mean the area around the altar, especially in liturgical churches. It may be separated from the rest of the church by an altar rail. It may refer to the entire chancel area, including the choir and/or the space reserved for the clergy. It may also refer to the entire interior of the church where worship takes place.
Schism
This word of Greek origin means a rip, tear, split, or division. In ecclesiastical terms, it is a formal and willful separation from the unity of the church. The term is used in the NT for any kind of quarrel or division. Its meaning was later restricted to divisions of the church having a non-doctrinal basis, such as divisions over disciplinary or organizational matters. Heresy is separation for doctrinal reasons.
Scripture
This word comes from the Latin for "writings" and refers to a collection of the most important documents in a given religious community. Many different religions have scriptures. The term "canon," which means a rule or listing, refers to the list of items included in a scripture.
Search Committee
A group charged to identify candidates for the position of bishop, rector, or other ministry in the life of the church.
Seven Deadly Sins
These are traditionally pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth. Since sin is faithlessness-the opposite of faith-it may be said that all sin is deadly rebellion against God. But it is difficult to conceive any sinful act that is not defined by one of these terms.
Sin
Following our own will instead of following the will of God, thereby being centered on ourselves instead of God and distorting our relationships with God, other people, and creation (see BCP, p. 848). Roman Catholic thought has distinguished mortal (deadly) sins from venial (slight) sins, but Protestants have generally rejected this distinction.
Situation Ethics
Moral decision-making understood as highly specific to the situation or context. Situation ethics is often contrasted with a focus on moral principles or duties which are seen as leading to formalism and legalism.
Soul
The spiritual nature of a human being, as distinguished from the bodily or physical nature.
Spirituality
An interest and intentional participation in the spiritual life, providing a context for open and direct experience of God and the entire spiritual realm at an intensely personal level.
Standing Committee
The ecclesiastical authority of the diocese in the absence of a bishop. The Standing Committee is elected by the diocesan convention. Half of its members are clerical, half lay. It serves as the bishop's council of advice. The Standing Committee is requested to give consent for all bishops elected in the Episcopal Church. It recommends persons for ordination. It gives the bishop advice and consent on the purchase, sale, or encumbrance of any property held by a congregation or the diocese. It gives the bishop advice and consent as to any judicial sentence given to a clergy person or concurs in allowing a clergy person to cease functioning as a member of the clergy. It investigates and reports to the bishop on the charge that a deacon or priest has abandoned the Episcopal Church. It also receives the bishop's resignation.
Stewardship
Our personal response to God's generosity in the way we share our resources of time, talent, and money. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific Christian commitment to "work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God" (BCP, p. 856).
Stole
A long narrow strip of material that is the distinctive vestment and insignia of the clergy. It is typically worn with other vestments. Its color usually reflects the liturgical color of the day. Bishops and priests wear the stole around the back of the neck, with equal ends hanging down in front. Deacons wear the stole over the left shoulder, with the ends of the stole falling diagonally across the front and back of the body.
Suffragan Bishop
A suffragan bishop is an assisting bishop who does not automatically succeed a diocesan bishop.
Suspension
By this sentence a member of the clergy is directed to refrain temporarily from the exercise of ordained ministry. A sentence of suspension shall specify on what terms, on what conditions, and at what time the suspension shall cease.
Synod
This term comes from the Greek synodos, "a meeting" or "a coming together." It means an assembly of bishops or a meeting of church people.
Tithe
A tenth of a person's income, usually mandated for sacred purposes.
Torah
A Hebrew noun coming from the verb "to teach." It has the basic meaning of teaching or instruction, but it is usually translated law.
Tradition
In Christian theology, tradition originally referred simply to that which had been handed down to the church from the prophets and the apostles concerning belief in God and God's redemptive work in Christ. Gradually, however, the term took on different meanings to include, for example, the authorized teaching of church councils and commonly accepted credal formulations.
Validity (Sacramental)
A sacrament is recognized by the church to be genuine and true when certain minimum requirements are met concerning proper form, matter, minister, and intent.
Verbal Inspiration
The belief that the individual words and even verbal relationships of the Bible were inspired by God. It has traditionally been espoused by those who view the Bible as inerrant.
Vestments
The distinctive garments worn by leaders of the church's worship. Many of the church's vestments are descended from the ordinary dress of the imperial Roman society in which the early church came into being.
Vestry
The legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.
Via Media
Latin phrase translated as "middle way" or the "way between two extremes." The via media came into religious usage when Anglicans began to refer to the Church of England as a middle way between the extremes of Roman Catholicism and Puritanism.
Vicar
In the Episcopal Church, the title generally applies to the priest in charge of a mission congregation. The diocesan bishop is the rector, and the priest representing the bishop is the vicar. The term is derived from the Latin vicarius, "substitute."
Vincentian Canon
The canonical threefold test of catholicity found in the fifth-century Commonitorium of Vincent of Lérins (d. c. 445) which defines the catholic faith as "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all."
Wardens of a Parish
Officers of a parish. Two wardens are typically selected to serve with members of the vestry. The wardens are generally ranked "senior" and "junior."
Worship
The term, from the Anglo Saxon, means to pay someone what is their due. It is a very broad term concerning acts of adoration, which may be as diverse as private prayer and meditation, public corporate liturgies, prayer services, or cultic sacrifices. Christian worship, both individual and corporate, is offered through and in the name of Jesus Christ. |
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