Ordination of a Priest – The Examination part 2

Bishop Eric Menees

Friends,  We continue today in our study of the 2019 Book of Common Prayer and specifically the Examination of an Ordinand for the Priesthood as vital for the life and ministry of a priest and the life and ministry of Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I mentioned last week that the examination can be divided into three categories:  A) The Call from God - Which we looked at last week.  B) Scripture & Doctrine - Which we will look at today and;  C) Manner of Life - Which we will examine next week.

SCRIPTURE  Bishop: Do you believe that the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined out of the Holy Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach or maintain nothing as necessary to eternal salvation but that which may be concluded and proved by the scriptures? Ordinand: I do so believe, and I am so determined, the Lord being my helper.  This question is based upon Article 6 of the 39 Articles of Religion developed during the formation of Anglicanism to give the Church a structure for faith and doctrine. Foundational to our faith and doctrine is the authority of holy scripture. Our clergy absolutely must demonstrate our submission to Scripture personally as well as corporately in our life in Christ!  DOCTRINE Bishop: Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded and as this Church has received them, according to the Commandments of God, so that you may teach the people committed to your charge with all diligence to keep and observe them? Ordinand: I will, the Lord being my helper.  “The doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ.”  Richard Hooker, the 16th Century theologian used the image of the “three legged stool” of Scripture, Tradition and Reason.  Note that Scripture is the first and most important, followed by Tradition. Tradition is not - “Oh we’ve always lit the gospel candle before the epistle candle on the altar so we can’t change that.” Tradition in this sense is how the Church from the first century on has received and interpreted the Word of God and thus developed the doctrines of the church. We do not have the authority to change that doctrine. If we feel God moving us to teach that sex outside the bounds of marriage are really a good thing, we are in error. The Ordinand in this examination affirms this responsibility and his willingness to be held accountable if he fails to do so.  Bishop: Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Body of Christ all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God’s Word; and to use both public and private admonition and exhortations, to the weak as well as the strong within your charge, as need shall require and occasion shall be given? Ordinand: I will, the Lord being my helper.  If we do not place ourselves under the authority of scripture and the doctrine of the Church then erroneous and strange doctrines arise, generally reflecting the culture around us. Not only are Bishops and Priests called to place ourselves under the authority of the Word of God and the doctrine of the Church, we are required to drive away from the Church, the body of Christ with all faithful diligence.  I pray you all a blessed Lord’s Day!  Bp. Menees