United Reformed Synod #6: Apstolic Succesion--2 or 3 Offices/Orders

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 to discuss the affirmation and denial of Article 2 at the next meeting, which is scheduled for two weeks from the date of this meeting. Article 2's affirmation is Sola Scriptura, which asserts that nothing can be added or subtracted from the Scriptures. The article also denies that tradition, historical development, expediency, creeds, councils, and declarations have "Apostolic authority" greater than or equal to the Scriptures. Additionally, the Scripture's authority does not depend on any human source. The URS agreed to discuss all eight articles put forth by Nigel Wilson before taking a vote. Paul Slish provided an overview of Dr. Colvin's arguments against apostolic succession for the diaconate, including Greek exegesis of Acts 6. Dr. Colvin is a Reformed Episcopalian who holds to the 2-order/office of polity and is writing a book on the subject which may be a "blockbuster." The group spent some time discussing power-grabbers, power-lovers, and the "Preface," noting the tendency of such individuals to corrupt doctrine, discipline, and conduct due to erroneous claims about apostolic succession. The issue of sociopathy was briefly discussed, but the group continued to return to the issue of the corrupting influences of power while advocating for service, servanthood, and humility. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 4 May 2024, at 10 AM EDT/3 PM BST, with the Zoom link provided https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcuuprj8sHdxgjb88My_1pQKQ9XBoPezh .