Glossary of Terms
Religious House
A place of residence for a religious community or a branch house operated by or for a religious order. The term may be used as a synonym for a monastery or convent, but it normally denotes a place of prayer or retreat which may or may not be administered by a religious community. The House […]
Religious Life
The life that is lived under the obligation of the traditional vows in a religious community. In a broad sense it may designate the life of any person that is lived in awareness of God. See Conference on the Religious Life in the Anglican Communion in the Americas, The; see Monastic.
Religious Order
A society of Christians who voluntarily commit themselves for life or a term of years to living a celibate life in community, holding possessions in common with other community members, and obeying the rule or constitution of the community. A religious order must have at least six professed members to be officially recognized in the […]
Reliquary
A container for religious relics. It is used to protect and exhibit the relic. Reliquaries have often been made of precious metals or other costly materials or glass. Some reliquaries have been elaborately decorated with enamel, jewels, or paintings. Reliquaries have been made in a variety of shapes, including caskets, boxes, churches, gabled buildings, crosses, […]
Remigius of Reims
(c. 438-c. 533). “Apostle of the Franks.” He was born in Laon, France. At the age of twenty-two he was consecrated the Bishop of Reims. Remigius is remembered for converting Clovis, King of the Franks, to Christianity. Through Remigius's efforts, the Franks were converted to Nicene Christianity rather than Arian Christianity. Remigius baptized Clovis and […]
Remission of Sins
To remit is to refrain from enforcing a punishment. Remission of sins generally means forgiveness and absolution of sins. However, the suggestion of remitted punishment recalls a juridical understanding of sin and forgiveness that is no longer emphasized in the Episcopal Church. The “absolution and remission” of sins is pronounced after the general confession of […]
Renewal Movement
The enlivening and spiritual reawakening of the church through prayer and a variety of ministries and programs. These programs seek to revitalize the church by increasing Christian faith, devotion, and commitment. Many participants in the renewal movement attribute its success to the active presence of the Holy Spirit. The renewal movement has included a diversity […]
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
When there are no candidates for baptism or Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, the celebrant leads the people in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows (BCP, pp. 292-294). The Renewal of Baptismal Vows traditionally follows the Easter Vigil readings. It may also follow the gospel and a sermon or homily. The celebrant invites the people to […]
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. Removal upon renunciation means that the person is deprived of the right to exercise ordained ministry.
Repose, Altar of
See Altar of Repose.
Reproaches, The
The reproaches are a traditional anthem based on OT prophetic passages (see Mi 6:3-4) and the Trisagion. It is sung at the Good Friday liturgy during the veneration of the cross. It is also called Improperia. It begins, “O my people, what have I done unto thee? or wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against […]
Requiem
A Mass or eucharist offered on behalf of the dead. It contains prayers appropriate to a funeral. If the Mass is immediately followed by burial it concludes with the prayer of commendation. The title originates from the first words for this rite in the Roman tradition, requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine (“Give them eternal rest, […]
Reredos
Decorations behind or above the altar. The reredos is typically a wooden screen, hanging, or panel. It may consist of stone, wood, jeweled metalwork, or drapery. The reredos may contain biblical scenes, scenes from the lives of the martyrs, statues of apostles and saints, panels inscribed with the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, or […]
Reservation of the Sacrament
Following ancient custom, the BCP provides that the consecrated bread and wine may be reserved for the communion of the sick or others who for “weighty cause” could not be present at the celebration or for administration of communion by a deacon to a congregation when a priest is unavailable (pp. 408-409). The sacrament may […]
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. The legislative vote is taken only on the substance of the resolution, which […]
Response
A liturgical answer or statement that responds to a prayer, bidding, or reading. The response may be paired with and follow a versicle. For example, Suffrages A and B in Morning Prayer each contain a series of versicles and responses (BCP, pp. 97-98). The initial letter “R” indicates the responses in these suffrages and in […]
Responsive Recitation (Psalmody)
A method of psalmody in which the minister alternates verse by verse with the congregation. This method of recitation has been most frequently used in Episcopal churches (see BCP, p. 582).
Responsorial Recitation (Psalmody)
A method of psalmody in which the verses are sung by a solo voice, and a refrain is sung by the choir and congregation after each verse or group of verses. Responsorial recitation was the traditional method of singing the Venite. It was also a traditional manner of chanting the psalms between the lessons at […]
Responsory
A prayer with responses. For example, Suffrages A and B in Morning Prayer each contain a series of versicles and responses (BCP, pp. 55, 97-98).
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.” Bishops may be restored only by action of the House of Bishops. Priests and deacons may be restored by action of the […]
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.