Preservation of the American Episcopate

Thousands of faithful Episcopalians gathered in St. Louis, Missouri in 1977 and agreed upon the Affirmation of St. Louis, a document which expressed our commitment to the historic and biblical faith of the Church.

In Denver, Colorado, on January 28th 1978, the Rt. Rev. Albert Chambers (retired), along with two other bishops, consecrated four ECUSA priests Bishops - Frs. Waterson, Mote, Doren and Morse.

It is hoped that through these lines that a orthodox, faithful and traditional Anglican presence could and can be maintianed in North America.

Bishop Chambers was the Episcopal Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. This consecration made it possible for Episcopalians to continue practicing the Catholic and Apostolic faith of the Church, as it has been handed down through the centuries. Pray that all Bishops and other ministers diligently preach God's holy Word, and that all people obediently follow the same, that mankind may receive the crown of everlasting glory.


Propers for the Preservation of the American Episcopate

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY GOD, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock: give grace, we beseech thee, to all Bishops, the Pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy Word, and duly administer the godly Discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same, that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory. Through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - 1Timothy 3:1-7.

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


The Gospel - St Matthew 28:18-20.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


Reference and Resources:

http://www.episcopalnet.org/1928bcp/propers/Missal/Jan28.html
http://affirmationofstlouis.blogspot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmation_of_St._Louis
http://anglicancontinuum.blogspot.com/2010/01/reaffirming-st-louis.html
http://anglicancontinuum.blogspot.com/2010/01/bestowal-of-denver-succession-to.html

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