Reformed Episcopal Churches

The Reformed Episcopal Church continues to use the 1785 Book of Common Prayer but has added to its worship both the recovery of historic concerns, such as increased frequency of Communion, and the incorporation of contemporary forms, such as the use of praise songs. African-American congregations, which comprise about one-half of the denomination's membership, have incorporated African-American styles of worship as well.

Reformed Episcopal worship seeks to embody the evangelical tradition of Anglicanism. It was founded in 1873 by Bishop David Cummins, who wanted to preserve true catholicity around the principles of the ancient and Reformation churches. He wanted to maintain the final authority of Holy Scripture and the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (emphases of the Reformation) in the context of traditional English prayer book worship and episcopal government (the ancient church). He did not wish to diminish either aspect of the Anglican tradition. Bishop Cummins called the effort to uphold these combined elements, "a return to the old paths." He was deeply convinced that the catholicity of the church was in jeopardy. Given the tendency to draw lines around church polity at that time, he feared Christian witness would be eroded. He saw the historic Anglican emphases of catholicity centered on the Word of God and the sacraments as the correct basis for true unity. Because of his evangelism, he wanted all Christian churches to be able to commune together on the basis of their baptism in the name of the triune God and their common profession. In pursuing that goal he advanced a new denomination that reflected Anglican worship, strong preaching, and evangelism. These emphases have made for an important union of structure and evangelical expression in the worship of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Flexible Use of the Prayer Book. The balance of form and freedom in worship has been worked out in the REC in a number of ways that provide greater opportunity for extemporaneous prayer as well as a flexible use of the prayer book. The services of The Book of Common Prayer are required on Sunday morning. Other services and forms worship can be used on Sunday evening and during the week. Also, the REC has always permitted optional worship, such as praise services, before and/or after the regular Sunday morning services. The African-American congregations of the REC, for example, make use of this provision. These congregations diligently observe the order of the prayer book, but afterwards, traditional black preaching, singing, and giving occurs that makes for a lively evangelical service. Renewal along Traditional Lines. The combination of the traditional and the extemporaneous have fed renewal in two directions. Along the more traditional lines, many Reformed Episcopal churches have revived ancient practices without relinquishing strong biblical and evangelical preaching. Some have instituted frequent Communion (weekly) and special services on high festival days (such as Ascension Day and the Feast of Pentecost) and biblical saints' days. They have also revived the musical practices of chanting and classical liturgical music. There is the wearing of vestments by presbyters and the historical episcopal robes (rochet and chamir) by the bishops. The sign of the cross is being used in the traditional sense of symbolizing the renewal of baptismal vows during the creed, before Communion, and at the benediction. Finally, other Anglican practices such as the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday are being restored. Renewal along Contemporary Lines. Many different services are being developed along more contemporary lines. Some congregations are utilizing the Australian prayer book supplement to explore modern language services. Trial Communion liturgies with a more celebrative emphasis have been allowed during festive times of the church year such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. One type of alternate eucharistic service simply combines the regular Morning Prayer service with Holy Communion. Praise music is being used during the Communion service, especially when Communion is actually being served. Also, services of ascent, which include contemporary music and active participation such as hand-clapping, are occurring before regular Sunday morning worship as well as at other times. Finally, some practices such as anointing for healing are taking place after Communion. Thus, in no way does the traditional renewal inhibit significant contemporary developments in worship. At the same time as the REC is recovering its historic Anglican roots, contemporary language and practice is emerging. The basis for all of these developments can be found in the original desire to have a church that affirms the spirit of the invitation to Holy Communion, which says, "Our fellow Christians of other branches of Christ's Church [Ancient, reformational, and even modern] who love our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in sincerity are affectionately invited to the Lord's Table." The spirit of evangelical catholicity has opened the way for renewal of worship in a variety of forms. Moreover, to use a good Anglican phrase, this has happened "decently and in order," and all in conjunction with the set forms of The Book of Common Prayer.