Glossary of Terms

Ratcliffe, Robert

(1657-1700). First rector of King's Chapel, Boston. He was a graduate of Exeter College, Oxford University, and appointed by the Bishop of London to minister in Boston. Ratcliffe arrived in Boston on May 15, 1686, and on June 15, 1686, King's Chapel parish was organized with Ratcliffe as the rector. This was the first Church […]

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. In Anglican theology, reason allows itself to be […]

Ravenscroft, John Stark

(May 17, 1772-Mar. 5, 1830). Bishop and high churchman. He was born in Blandford in Prince George's County, Maryland. Ravenscroft studied law at the College of William and Mary, but he never practiced law. He settled in Lunenburg County, Virginia, where for eighteen years he exhibited no interest in religion. Around 1810 he had a […]

Reader

See Lector; see Lay Reader.

Reading Desk

See Reading Pew.

Reading Pew

A small pew used by the officiant who led Morning or Evening Prayer. It was also known as the reading desk. Historically, it was also used for reading the litany, and the decalogue, the epistle, and the gospel at the eucharist. It was typically located in the nave so that the people could hear the […]

Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

The BCP refers to those persons already baptized who are presented to the bishop in the context of a service of Baptism or Confirmation to reaffirm their baptismal vows. These might be persons returning to the church after a period of unbelief or those who have entered a new level of spiritual life. The BCP […]

Real Presence

The presence of Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The 1991 statement of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission notes, “The elements are not mere signs; Christ's body and blood become really present and are really given. But they are really present and given in order that, receiving them, believers may be united in […]

Realized Eschatology

See Eschatology.

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. Reason is considered in Anglican thought to be more than calculation and logic, and it draws upon the entirety of human understanding and experience. Reason makes […]

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. The word is no longer found in the canons, but the concept is found in the canon, “Of the Abandonment of the Communion of this Church,” whereby a member of […]

Recapitulation

This theological term indicates that fallen humanity has been “reheaded” and reconstituted in Christ. The term is from the Greek anacephalaeosis, “summing up” or “summary.” It is found in the statement of Eph 1:10 that God set forth in Christ “to unite (recapitulate) all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” This […]

Reception (Christian Commitment)

Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for reception and says, “We recognize […]

Reception (of Doctrine)

Consent of the faithful to statements of the church's faith. An ancient view states that the truth of a doctrine is known by the universality of its reception or acceptance in the church. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the entire church can receive and recognize God's truth in Christ. Whenever an attempt is […]

Reception of the Body (At Time of Death)

The BCP provides a form of prayers for use when the body is brought to the church prior to the burial service (pp. 466-467). The form includes prayers for the deceased and the bereaved.

Receptionism

The belief that the eucharistic elements of bread and wine are unchanged during the prayer of consecration but that the faithful believer receives the body and blood of Christ in receiving communion. This was the prevailing eucharistic theology in the Reformation era of Anglicanism. The Articles of Religion state that the bread and wine of […]

Recitation

The traditional methods of psalmody, whether spoken or sung, are direct recitation, antiphonal recitation, and responsorial recitation. Direct recitation means the reading or singing of the entire psalm or portion of the psalm in unison. It is frequently used to recite or chant the psalm following the first lesson at the eucharist and the canticles […]

Reciting Note

A note found in each half of a psalm tone on which much of the text is sung. Its duration is determined by the length of the text to which it is sung.

Recognition and Investiture of a Diocesan Bishop

This is one of the “Episcopal Services” in the BOS. It is designed for the recognition, investiture, and seating of a bishop who has already been ordained and consecrated. The Presiding Bishop presides at this service, but another bishop may be deputized for the occasion. The service takes place in the context of a eucharist. […]

Reconciliation of a Penitent

Sacramental rite in which those who repent may confess their sins to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution (BCP, p. 861). It is also called penance and confession. The church’s ministry of reconciliation is from God, “who reconciled us to himself through Christ, […]

An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Glossary of Terms