Open Pulpit, Canon on

From as early as 1792, members of the Episcopal Church were concerned about clergy from other Christian traditions speaking in Episcopal churches. The canon, “Of persons Not Ministers in this Church Officiating in any Congregation Thereof,” forbade this. The 1907 General Convention amended this canon to allow Episcopal clergy to invite clergy from other churches to speak in Episcopal churches. Part of the canon stated that nothing should “prevent the Bishop of any Diocese or Missionary District from giving permission to Christian men, who are not Ministers of the Church, to make addresses in the Church, or special occasions.” It became known as the “open pulpit” canon and caused considerable controversy in the church. In reaction to this canon, William McGarvey, one of the founders of the Companions of the Holy Saviour, renounced his Episcopal orders and joined the Roman Catholic Church along with some other priests and Nashotah House students.