The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music presented its Report #40 on Resolution A075 (A Rite for “The Renewal of Ministry”) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A075)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention authorize the rite for “The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcome of a New Rector,” to be included in the Enriching Our Worship series. [See the Blue Book report of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, pp.185-190 for complete text.]

Committee Amendment:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention authorize the rite for “The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcome of a New Rector,” to be included in the Enriching Our Worship series; and be it further

Resolved, That the proposed liturgies from the “Blue Book” report be changed as follows:

1. That in the fourth paragraph of the rubric for Celebration of a New Ministry, [BB, pp. 185]:

   The presence of the Bishop is assumed throughout, although a representative may function in that capacity. The Bishop’s presence brings together the elements of mutuality and continuity. A rubric directs that “The Bishop states the purpose of the gathering,” providing an opportunity for education and encouragement. As an alternative, the Letter of Institution may be read at that time.It is the Bishop’s prerogative to preside at the font and the table. As an alternative, at this service, the Bishop may invite the new Rector to preside at one or both of these points in the liturgy.

2. That the following paragraph be added as the fifth paragraph:

   As an alternative to the BCP rite “Celebration of a New Ministry,” this order is for use when a priest is being instituted and inducted as the rector of the parish. It may also be used for the installation of deans and cathedrals, or the inauguration of other ministries, diocesan or parochial, including vicars of missions and assistant ministers. Alterations in the service are then made according to circumstances.

3. Following the Collect, [BB, pp. 186-187]:

   Wardens

   We have chosen and called N.N. to be our Rector, and he has accepted our call.

   Bishop

   I commend your choice and affirm this call. I fully empower and authorize N. to exercise his ministry as a priest of this diocese.

   The Letter of Institution (BCP, p. 557) is read. The Bishop continues

   Are you, the people of ______, ready to continue in your ministry, with N. as your priest?

   People We are.

4. In blessing baptismal water, [BB, p. 188]:

   We pray you, O God, sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who hereall who in baptism are cleansed from sin and born again may continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

5. In the rubric before The Prayers, [BB, p. 189]:

   A baptismal hymn, psalm, or other song ismay be sung. as tThe congregation is may be sprinkled with the water.

6. In the Rector’s prayer following the reception of a stole and/or flask of Oil for Healing, [BB, p. 189]:

   Rector Amen. Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, loves you eternally, and reconciles you to one another.

   All stand. The new Rector says to the people

   The peace of Christ be always with you.

   People And also with you.

   All stand. The Bishop says to the people

   The peace of the Lord be always with you.

   People And also with you.

The Suffragan Bishop in Charge of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe moved an amendment.

Proposed Amendment:

In point number three, restore the deleted text, “I fully empower and authorize N. to exercise his ministry as a priest in this diocese.”

Motion defeated

Amendment defeated

A vote was taken on Resolution A075 as amended.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #92)