Glossary of Terms
Restoration, The
The reinstatement in 1660 of the English monarchy under Charles II of the House of Stuart after the interregnum of the Commonwealth and Protectorate. On May 8, 1660, Charles II […]
Restoring of Things Profaned
A form in the BOS for restoring to sacred use a church building, an altar, or other consecrated objects that have been profaned. It may precede the first church service […]
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 […]
Retable
The term may refer to a raised shelf or ledge behind the altar. This shelf is also called a gradine. The altar cross, altar lights, and vases of flowers may […]
Retreat
A period of time, in a “place apart” from daily life and work, which normally includes silence, reflection, and may include some form of still, meditative prayer which may be […]
Reverence
1) Great respect, honor, or veneration. It may be associated with awe, devotion, and love. For example, the BCP notes the “Hebrew reverence and reticence with regard to the Name […]
Reverend, The
An adjective used in formally addressing a member of the clergy. It is from the Latin reverendus, “worthy of reverence.” It is intended to be descriptive. The term is incorrectly […]
Revised English Bible
A 1989 revision of the New English Bible (1970) that was intended to make it more suitable for public worship. “You” is used instead of “thou” in addressing God. The […]
Revised Standard Version Bible (RSV)
The RSV is a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Scriptures (1901), which was an American modification of the British revised version of 1881-1885. In 1937 […]
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, an Ecumenical Edition, The (“RSV Common Bible”)
A 1973 revision of the Revised Standard Version that was completed with the cooperation of members of the Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox churches. The inclusion of the Apocrypha […]
Revised Version of the Bible, The
In 1870 the Convocation of Canterbury appointed a commission to revise the King James Version of the Bible. The intention was not to make a new translation but to make […]
Revival
Christian worship characterized by intense and personal emotional experiences, fervent preaching, and extemporaneous prayer. It has served as a primary technique for evangelism in much of American Protestant Christianity. Several […]
Rhode Island, Diocese of
Organized at Newport on Nov. 18, 1790, it voted to declare Bishop Samuel Seabury of Connecticut “Bishop of the Church in this State.” From July 20, 1798, until Sept. 10, […]
Richard, Bishop of Chichester
(c. 1197-Apr. 2 or 3, 1253). Bishop and clerical reformer. He studied at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna. Richard became university chancellor at Oxford around 1235. He was later appointed chancellor […]
Ridley, Nicholas
(c. 1500-Oct. 16, 1555). Bishop and Protestant martyr. He was born in Willimoteswick, Northumberland. Ridley attended Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, where he later became a fellow. In 1527 he was ordained […]
Right of Sanctuary
See Sanctuary (2).
Right Reverend, The
See Reverend, The.
Righteousness
Living in right relationship with God and others. Unrighteous behavior would tend to undermine right relationship with God. For example, the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of […]
Righter, Walter Cameron
(b. Oct. 23, 1923). Bishop brought to trial for ordaining a homosexual. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Righter received his B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948 and […]
Rightmyer, Nelson Waite
(July 19, 1911-Sept. 29, 1983). Historian and seminary professor. He was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. Rightmyer received his M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1935, his Th.B. from 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.