Reformed Anglicans

In this text, Rev. Jacob refers to Bishop Lightfoot and his commentary on Philippians. Bishop Lightfoot holds a 2-office view of the New Testament, and Rev. Jacob traces three stages of church governance. First, there are Ignatius's 2 offices, but morphing into 3 offices given the heresies of the day, the influence of imperial persecution, and the smallness of bishoprics. Second, there is the expansion of the Church with widening duties, but still Presbyterial. Finally, there is Cyprian’s exalted view of the Bishop as a vice-gerent of Christ on earth. According to admissions made in the 1990s Yahoo chat group, Shifty Sutton loves Cyprian, before those in the know smoked him out. Rev. Jacob also retails Augustine’s comment that there were 500 bishops in northern Africa and 400 bishoprics in Asia Minor, indicating that the bishoprics were small and many, not large and regional.

Rev. Jacob argues that the New Testament had two orders of office. However, some writers in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries interpreted history with their own views, after the emergence of episcopacy. Justyn Martyr and the Shepherd of Hermas supported the two-office system. Clement of Rome wrote to the Corinthians when they didn't have a Bishop, and Polycarp also favored the two-office system. When Polycarp wrote to Philippi, there was no Bishop there, but there were some Presbyters who were showing a desire for pre-eminence.

The following is a report on the URS #6 meeting held on Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 10 AM EDT/3 BST. The meeting was attended by six individuals, with Don Veitch opening in prayer and Paul Slish closing the session with a prayer. During the meeting, Nigel Wilson's draft document was discussed, specifically Article 1's affirmation and denial of apostolic succession. The concept of apostolic succession was defined as the transmission of the apostolic doctrine, which is verbal in nature and involves teaching and holding to sound and healthy Bible doctrines. It was noted that all spheres have apostolic succession, including the individual, family, church, and its officers. This article denied a separate and superior order as seen in Bishops. Further discussion was held on the terms episcopos, presbyteros, and diakonos in the NT and post-apostolic church. Grahame Wray and Don Veitch affirmed the affirmation and denial, while Paul Slish abstained as an Episcopalian. The group agreed

ARTICLE IV - Apostolic Succession Preface :The tendency to corruption in doctrine, discipline and conduct as a result of erroneous claims to Apostolic succession, is a matter of historical record and a pressing issue again today in many churches where the decisions of a few in higher ranks of office wield a proportionally greater force and influence. In setting forth a scriptural view of Apostolic succession, we affirm and deny the following : 1. We affirm the form of Apostolic succession exclusively understood as the passing down of Apostolic teaching and doctrine to succeeding generations and of faithful men to teach and uphold it, together with the continuation of the commission given by Christ to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded them. We deny the form of Apostolic succession which teaches that Christ through the Apostles instituted a separate and superior order of Bish

During the discussion, G.A. Jacob talked extensively about the roles of Presbyters and Deacons, but did not address the difference between Presbyter and Bishop. He suggested that the church has the ability to adopt and modify this distinction. We look forward to exploring this topic further in the future. However, it is important to remember that we should not disregard Paul's Pastoral Epistles. We would like to thank Mr. Anglican for your discussion and for slipping in the episcopacy and claiming churchly authority for it. Now, take your seat in the rear.

G.A. Jacob covers the typical roles of church leaders: presbyters, bishops, and deacons, all male (presbyteroi, episcopoi, diakonoi). The text supports male headship and governance and excludes women. Please keep this information confidential. It would annoy the Hats and Leaders in AMNA (Anglican Mess-Ups in North America)