Glossary of Terms
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 […]
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 was proclaimed king by Parliament. He returned to England from the continent on May 25. With his return, the Church of England was restored, and […]
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 after an act of vandalism or desecration. Portions of the prayer may be repeated for pastoral reasons at subsequent services on that day. The bishop […]
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). Christian faith would be meaningless without the resurrection of Jesus (1 […]
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 be placed on it. The tabernacle may also be placed on it. The term may also refer to a frame above and behind the altar […]
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 combined with brief periods of activity and study. Retreats often focus on particular themes of the church year. Retreats may be communal, though they can […]
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 of God” (p. 583). The Preface to the 1789 BCP states that “the procuring of reverence, and the exciting of piety and devotion in 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.