Colabomb, What's This About the REC Merging?

[Polycarp1]

Technically, we're not supposed to address threads at individual posters, but that rule is to prevent individual arguments and flaming/trolling. Since Colabomb is our resident expert on the Reformed Episcopal Church, I'm addressing this to him (though others who happen to know something are welcome to chime in!).

When I was researching the Useful Links thread, I found the REC website, and it indicated that your church was in the process of merging with the Anglican Province of America. I know very little about APA, and not so much as I'd like about your church. Could you fill us in a bit about the histories of the two groups and what's up with the merger?

[TomUK]

...and any thoughts on what the consequences of the merger would be

[Colabomb]

I am nowhere near an expert, I am a baby Anglican. But I'll answer the best I can.

I need to do some research first though, but I will tell you the bit I know.

The A.P.A. is a Continuing Church group (I believe), and the REC was pretty much its own movement of Evangelical Anglicans (which ironically have become more Anglo-Catholic than the Episcopals over the years).

I believe the name of the new Merger Church will be "The Reformed Episcopal Church" (lol nothing new for me to remember)

So far, we have managed to joint publish a magazine.

As for timing, I do not know.

I picture a very conservative Traditional Church.

May the God of Mercies Bless you Richly in the Peace of the Christ!

[bfoos]

Thought I would chime in on this one and clarify as best I may:

Colabomb said:
>The A.P.A. is a Continuing Church group (I believe),

Yes, this is true. It's roots date to the 70's.


>and the REC was pretty much its own movement of Evangelical Anglicans >(which ironically have become more Anglo-Catholic than the Episcopals >over the years).

The REC started in 1873 with Bishop Cummins, a PECUSA bishop from Kentucky. It was an evangelical movement, but the issues that defined its early life have long since died out. It sought to recover its Anglican heritage in the early 80's or so and has been doing so ever since. The term Anglo-Catholic might be a bit extreme to describe the Church overall, though there are certainly those within it that would identify themselves as such.


>I believe the name of the new Merger Church will be "The Reformed >Episcopal Church" (lol nothing new for me to remember)

This I doubt and have not heard. Everything I have heard on the matter is that no one knows yet what it will be called.


>So far, we have managed to joint publish a magazine.

Very well done, in general.


>As for timing, I do not know.

2008 is the scheduled finish of the merger. If it takes longer, they will likely take longer and not sweat it.


>I picture a very conservative Traditional Church.

Fair enough. I agree. It will be a traditional Anglican Church with a broad spectrum of orthodox opinion and practice. The APA tends to be more "Anglo-Catholic" whatever that actually means. The Churches tend to have higher ceremony in general, I would imagine. The REC has 130 years of history without schism or major disaster. That looks real good in the Anglican world of America today. The REC also has three seminaries plus extension campuses.

The REC and APA folks are traditional Catholics in terms of Creeds and (though broad) practice and are, perhaps on of the only two Churches/Church in the Anglican spectrum that actually hold to the 39 articles of Religion as binding.

The merger will be a wonderful thing. What a wonderful example to the modern world of Anglicanism. Unity is being pursued. I'm impressed with these bishops.

For a very clear statement of Anglican belief and practice as put together by the unity committee, go to the APA site (anglicanprovince.org/pressrel702.html).

bfoos