Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
The Ordinal
THE MAKING, ORDAINING AND CONSECRATING OF BISHOPS, PRIESTS AND DEACONS
Concerning the Ordinal
The making, ordaining and consecrating of bishops, priests and deacons in this Ordinal describes these ministries within the life of our church. While the spiritual role of ordained ministers remains much as it was in the seventeenth century, the sociological contexts in which they work have undergone significant changes.
In the century and more between Reformation and Restoration, the responsibility of the parish priest was more isolated than it is today. Others now share the responsibility of ministry within the life of the parish, and this is encouraged and recognised in these ordination services. The special responsibility of the priest remains, but room is made for others to exercise their gifts of ministry as well. So the phrase ‘take their part’ is used to describe the minister’s role in a partnership with other clergy and the congregation.
Some deacons today do not seek ordination as priests. The Ordinal does not prescribe such a situation, but it allows it out of a sense of contemporary reality. Whether deacons are to become priests or not, the service provided here will be appropriate. The limitations on the scope of the diaconate are maintained in accordance with the Ordinal in The Book of Common Prayer, but the language used is in no way demeaning. The deacon’s office derives its dignity from the Lord Jesus, the unique servant of God. It involves assisting others in ministry and taking initiatives in service.
In the presentation, an opportunity for candidates to be sponsored by lay people as well as senior clergy is provided.
Liturgical principles underlying the services
1 The distinctiveness of each Order is clearly expressed, each being understood in the context of the ministry of the whole people of God, in the light of the unique ministry of Christ.
2 The language used has sought to move away from the conservative style of the Ordinal included in An Australian Prayer Book. The content has been carefully considered so as to reflect the principles which guided the Ordinal of The Book of Common Prayer, as well as relating to the roles of clergy in the contemporary Church.
3 The shape of the ordination prayers in early centuries was a berakah (‘blessing’) prayer. God is blessed for the gospel ministry given by Christ, and for the ministries of those being ordained. In this context of thanksgiving, prayer is made for the Spirit to come upon each ordinand for the particular ministry in the Church of God.
Elements of this shape and prayer are to be found in the successive Ordinals which follow on from that of 1550, but they were broken up into separate prayers, completed in the porrectio instrumentorum, the ‘delivery of the tools’ of ministry, for example, the handing over of a copy of the Scriptures.
In this rite, these elements are brought together in two stages. First comes the berakah prayer, including the laying on of hands and invocation of the Spirit. Then follows the porrectio, the public recognition and authorising of the ministry of each candidate.
4 The term ‘presbyter’ is used in the title for the Ordination of Priests, following Richard Hooker, the Episcopal Church of Scotland, The Alternative Service Book of the Church of England, and current Roman Catholic and Orthodox usage.
5 A distinctive feature of the ordination of a bishop in the Anglican tradition is the reading of the Oaths and Declarations.
The Declaration, Assent and Oaths included here give ordinary Anglicans greater access to these requirements. They are contained in General Synod Canons. Other forms may be used where diocesan legislation requires it. It is assumed that any other oaths required by law have been taken prior to the service.
Provision is made for the reading of the Authority of Consecration where indicated.
The Ordination of Deacons
GATHERING IN GOD'S NAME
1A psalm, hymn or anthem may be sung, or music may be played, when the ministers enter.
2The bishop greets the people.
3A Sentence of Scripture may be read.
4The Prayer of Preparation may be said by all.
5The Confession and Absolution from the Holy Communion is said.
6The Gloria, or another hymn of praise, is sung.
7The bishop says the Collect.
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently.
Almighty God, giver of all that is good,
by your Holy Spirit you have appointed
various orders of ministry in your Church.
Bless these persons now called to the order of deacons.
So fill them with your truth, and clothe them with holiness,
that they may faithfully serve to the glory of your name
and the benefit of your Church.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
8Readings from the Old and New Testament as appointed, with psalms or hymns as appropriate.
9A reading from the Gospels
10The Sermon
A period of silence may follow.
11The Nicene Creed
THE PRESENTATION
12The archdeacon and a layperson, together with others if desired, present the ordinands to the bishop, saying
N, bishop in the Church of God,
we present to you these persons/NN to be ordained deacon in the Church of God.
The bishop says
Can you assure us that they are suited by their learning and godly living to minister as deacons in the household of Christ, to the glory of God?
Those presenting the ordinands say
They have been examined.
Enquiries have been made among the people of God,
especially among those concerned with their preparation,
and we believe that these candidates are fit for this office.
The bishop says to the people
Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this office.
We have been assured that these persons are suited to this ministry.
If, however, any of you know an adequate reason why we should not proceed, come forward and make it known.
THE PRAYERS
13The prayers may follow here, or after ¶ 16.
The bishop says
Let us pray for these persons now to be ordained deacon.
After a period of silence, the Litany for Ministry (page 192) follows.
THE EXHORTATION AND EXAMINATION
14The bishop says to the candidate(s)
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ lived and died
as the servant of God.
All who follow him are called to serve God in the world,
setting forward Christ’s kingdom through the power
of the Spirit.
Christ has called you to the office of deacon.
You are to be an ambassador of Christ,
serving God as you serve others in Jesus’ name.
Proclaim the good news of God’s love,
so that many may be moved to faith and repentance,
and hearts be opened to do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly in the presence of God.
Let the transforming love of Jesus be known to all
among whom you live and work.
Strengthen the faithful, teach the young,
search out the careless and indifferent.
Encourage the members of Christ’s body by word and example, ministering among the sick, the needy
and all who are oppressed or in trouble.
Together with your bishop, priest and people,
you are to take your place in public worship,
assist in the administration of the sacraments,
and play your part in the life and councils of the Church.
You are to preach the word of God in the place
to which you are licensed,
and to pray and work for peace and justice in the world.
As a deacon, you are to model your life according to the word of God.
Study the Scriptures, reflecting with God’s people
upon their meaning,
that all may be equipped to live out God’s truth in the world.
Put away all that does not make for holiness of life.
Be faithful in prayer, that you may have strength to run
the race that is set before you.
And now, in order that this congregation
may understand your intention,
and so that your public profession
may strengthen your resolve,
answer clearly these questions, which I ask you
in the name of God and of the Church.
15The bishop says
Do you believe that you are truly called to this order and ministry of deacons, being moved by the Holy Spirit to serve God and build up his people, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ and the order of this Anglican Church of Australia?
The ordinand(s) answer
I do believe I am called to this ministry.
Do you wholeheartedly accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as given by the Spirit to convey in many and varied ways the revelation of God which is fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ?
I do accept them.
Will you take your part in reading the holy Scriptures in the church and in assisting the priest to teach the doctrine of Christ and administer the sacraments?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you be diligent in prayer, and in the study of the holy Scriptures? Will you undertake such other studies as will help you in your ministry?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you strive to shape your own life, and that of your household, according to the way of Christ?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you constantly seek the help of the Holy Spirit to use and develop God’s gifts to you, so that you may serve all by word and deed?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you promote unity, peace and love among all Christian people, especially among those with whom you serve God, encouraging and enabling them to fulfil their ministries?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you seek to set forward Christ’s kingdom in the world, proclaiming the gospel and working for reconciliation, peace and justice?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you accept the order and discipline of the Anglican Church of Australia, submitting yourself to the lawful authority of your bishop and others set over you in the Church?
I will, by God’s grace.
The bishop concludes
May God who has given you the will to do these things give you the grace and power to perform them. Amen.
16The bishop says to the congregation
You have heard these persons respond to God’s call.
Will you accept them as deacons in the Church of God?
The people reply
We accept them gladly!
Will you support and encourage them in this ministry?
We will, by God’s grace.
17A hymn invoking the Holy Spirit is sung.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
18The candidate(s) kneel(s) before the bishop, who says
Blessed are you, Lord our God!
In your infinite love you set us free
to be a holy people in the kingdom of your Son.
Though he was rich, for our sake Christ became poor.
Taking the form of a servant, he humbled himself,
and gave his life a ransom for many.
Exalted as Lord of all,
he poured out the Spirit
and gave gifts to your people
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
and to build up the body of Christ.
And now we give you thanks
that you have called these your servants
to the ministry of deacons in your Church.
Here the bishop lays hands on the head of each ordinand, and says
Send down the Holy Spirit upon your servant N,
whom we set apart by the laying on of our hands,
for the office and work of a deacon in your Church.
When hands have been laid upon all who are to be ordained deacon, the bishop continues
Grant to your servants, merciful God,
grace and power to proclaim the gospel of salvation.
May they be patient and loving, strong and steadfast.
As you have called them to your service,
make them worthy of their calling.
Accept our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who, with you and the Holy Spirit,
lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.
The people respond
Amen.
19Those on whom hands have been laid may be appropriately vested.
The bishop delivers to each a copy of the New Testament, saying
Take authority to exercise the office and ministry of a deacon in the Church of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The people respond
Amen.
THE GREETING OF PEACE
20The bishop presents the newly ordained deacon(s) to the congregation in these or similar words
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I present to you these persons who have been ordained deacon in the Church of God.
They may be welcomed with applause.
The bishop gives the Greeting of Peace
We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
and also with you.
The people greet one another.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
21The service of Holy Communion continues, using an authorised form of the Great Thanksgiving, which may include the preface appropriate for an ordination (page 162).
The bishop may invite the newly ordained deacon(s) to join in the administration of the communion.
The post-communion prayer appropriate for an ordination (page 163) may be used.
The Ordination of Priests
ALSO CALLED PRESBYTERS
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
1A psalm, hymn or anthem may be sung, or music may be played, when the ministers enter.
2The bishop greets the people.
3A Sentence of Scripture may be read.
4The Prayer of Preparation may be said by all.
5The Confession and Absolution from the Holy Communion is said.
6The Gloria, or another hymn of praise, is sung.
7The bishop says the Collect.
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently
Almighty God, giver of all that is good,
by your Holy Spirit you have appointed
various orders of ministry in your Church.
Bless these persons now called to the order of priests.
So fill them with your truth, and clothe them with holiness,
that they may faithfully minister to the glory of your name
and the benefit of your Church.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
8Readings from the Old and New Testament as appointed, with psalms or hymns as appropriate.
9A reading from the Gospels
10The Sermon
A period of silence may follow.
11The Nicene Creed
THE PRESENTATION
12The archdeacon and a layperson, together with others if desired, present the ordinands to the bishop, saying
N, bishop in the Church of God,
we present to you these deacons/NN to be ordained priest.
The bishop says
Can you assure us that they are suited by their learning and godly living to minister as priests in the household of Christ?
Those presenting the ordinand(s) say
They have been examined.
Enquiries have been made among the people of God,
especially among those concerned with their preparation,
and we believe that these candidates are fit for this office.
The bishop says to the people
Dear friends in Christ, you know the importance of this office.
We have been assured that these deacons are suited to this ministry.
If, however, any of you know an adequate reason why we should not proceed, come forward and make it known.
THE PRAYERS
13The prayers may follow here, or after ¶ 16.
The bishop says
Let us pray for these persons now to be ordained priest.
After a period of silence, the Litany for Ministry (page 192) follows.
THE EXHORTATION AND EXAMINATION
14The bishop says to the candidates
Our Lord Jesus Christ summons us all to obedience
and discipleship.
In baptism we are called to be a royal priesthood,
a people belonging to God,
to make Christ known in all the world.
Now you are responding to the call of God and of the Church
to live and work as a priest, a pastor and teacher,
for God’s glory and the strengthening of God’s people.
You know the responsibility and significance of this office.
I now exhort you, in the name of Christ,
to take up your calling with joy and dedication.
As the Lord’s messenger, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Seek the lost, announce God’s justice, warn and correct those in error.
You are to encourage and build up the body of Christ,
preaching the word of God,
leading God’s people in prayer,
declaring God’s forgiveness and blessing,
and faithfully ministering the sacraments of God’s grace
with reverence and care.
Together with your bishop and other ministers,
you are to take your part in the life and councils
of the Church.
Be a pastor after the pattern of Christ the great Shepherd,
who laid down his life for the sheep.
Be a teacher taught by the Lord in wisdom and holiness.
Lead the people of God as a servant of Christ.
Love and serve the people with whom you work,
caring alike for young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong.
Never forget how great a treasure is placed in your care:
the Church you must serve is Christ’s spouse and body,
purchased at the cost of his own life.
Remember that you will be called to give account before Jesus Christ: if it should come about that the Church, or any of its members, is hurt or hindered as a result of your negligence, you know the greatness of the fault and the judgement that will follow. Therefore apply yourself with diligence and care, and fashion your life and ministry in accordance with Christ’s example.
As you depend on the Holy Spirit and the grace of God,
put away all that does not make for holiness of life.
Clothe yourself with humility; be constant in prayer.
Study the Scriptures wholeheartedly,
reflecting with God’s people upon their meaning,
so that your ministry and life may be shaped by Christ.
We have every confidence that you have already pondered
these things deeply.
And now, in order that this congregation may understand your intention,
and so that your public profession may strengthen
your resolve,
answer clearly these questions,
which we ask you in the name of God and of the Church.
15The bishop says
Do you believe that you are truly called to this order and ministry of priests, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ and the order of this Anglican Church of Australia?
The ordinand(s) answer(s)
I believe I am called to this ministry.
Are you convinced that the holy Scriptures contain all doctrine necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and are you determined to instruct from these Scriptures the people committed to your care, teaching nothing as essential to salvation which cannot be demonstrated from the Scriptures?
I am convinced, and will do so by God’s grace.
Will you be diligent in prayer, and in the study of the holy Scriptures?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you undertake such other studies as will help you in your ministry?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you constantly stir up the gift of God which is in you, so that you may proclaim the gospel of Christ?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you faithfully and humbly minister the doctrine, sacraments and discipline of Christ, as he has commanded and as this Church has received them?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you be ready, both in your public and private ministry, to oppose and set aside teaching that is contrary to God’s word?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve and lead, striving together with them to build up the body of Christ in truth and love, in unity and peace?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you encourage and enable those committed to your care to fulfil their ministry and mission in the world?
I will, by God’s grace.
Will you obey your bishop and other ministers given authority over you, gladly and willingly following their godly and lawful directions?
I will, by God’s grace.
The bishop concludes
May God who has given you the will to do these things
give you the grace and power to perform them. Amen.
16The bishop says to the congregation
You have heard these persons respond to God’s call to love and serve him as priests.
Will you accept them as priests in the Church of God?
The people reply
We accept them gladly!
Will you support and encourage them in this ministry?
We will, by God’s grace.
17A hymn invoking the Holy Spirit is sung.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
18The ordinand(s) kneel(s) before the bishop, who says
Blessed are you, Lord our God!
You have given us your only Son
to be the Apostle and High Priest of our faith,
and the Shepherd of our souls.
Exalted as Lord of all,
he poured out the Spirit and gave gifts to your people,
making some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
and to build up the body of Christ.
And now we give you thanks
that you have called these your servants
to the ministry of priests in your Church.
Here the bishop with the priests present lay their hands on the head of each ordinand, and the bishop says
Send down the Holy Spirit upon your servant N,
whom we set apart by the laying on of our hands,
for the office and work of a priest in your Church.
When hands have been laid on all who are to be ordained priest, the bishop continues
Grant to these your servants, merciful God,
grace and power to fulfil their ministry:
to proclaim the gospel of salvation through word and sacrament,
to declare the forgiveness of sins,
and to watch over and care for the people committed to their charge.
As you have called them to your service,
make them worthy of their calling.
Accept our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit belong glory and honour, worship and praise, now and for ever.
The people respond Amen.
19Those on whom hands have been laid may be appropriately vested.
The bishop delivers to each a copy of the Holy Scriptures, saying
Take authority to preach the word of God, and to minister the holy sacraments in the congregation where you are appointed. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; whose sins you retain, they are retained. Be a faithful minister of the word of God and of his holy sacraments.
THE GREETING OF PEACE
20The bishop presents the newly ordained priest(s) to the congregation in these or similar words.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I present to you these persons who have been ordained priest in the Church of God.
They may be welcomed with applause.
The bishop gives the Greeting of Peace.
We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
and also with you.
The people greet one another.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
21The service of Holy Communion continues, using an authorised form of the Great Thanksgiving, which may include the preface appropriate for an ordination (page 162).
The bishop may invite the newly ordained priest(s) to join in the administration of the communion.
The post-communion prayer appropriate for an ordination (page 163) may be used.
The Ordination of Bishops
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
1A psalm, hymn or anthem may be sung, or music may be played, when the ministers enter.
2The archbishop greets the people.
3A Sentence of Scripture may be read.
4The Prayer of Preparation may be said by all.
5The Confession and Absolution from the Holy Communion is said.
6The Gloria, or another hymn of praise, is sung.
7The archbishop says the Collect.
Let us pray.
The community may pray silently.
Almighty God, by your Son Jesus Christ
you gave many excellent gifts to your apostles,
and commanded them to feed your flock.
Bless these persons now called to the order of bishops.
So fill them with your truth, and clothe them with holiness,
that as pastors of your Church they may diligently preach
your word, and rightly teach your people,
to the glory of your name, and the benefit of your Church.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
8Readings from the Old and New Testament as appointed, with psalms or hymns as appropriate.
9A reading from the Gospels
10The Sermon
A period of silence may follow.
11The Nicene Creed
THE PRESENTATION
12Two bishops, with representatives of the diocese and province (priests, deacons and laypersons) stand before the archbishop to present the bishop(s)-elect, saying
N, bishop in the Church of God,
we present to you NN to be consecrated bishop(s).
The Authority for the consecration(s) shall then be read.
13The archbishop addresses the bishop(s)-elect, saying
The Anglican Church of Australia, being an Apostolic Church, receives and retains the Catholic faith, which is grounded in Holy Scripture and expressed in the Creeds, and within its own history, in the Thirty-Nine Articles, in The Book of Common Prayer and in the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.
In accordance with the Canons of this Church, I now require you to make your Declaration and Assent to this faith.
The bishop(s)-elect make(s) the form of Declaration and Assent.
I firmly and sincerely believe the Catholic Faith and I give my assent to the doctrine of the Anglican Church of Australia as expressed in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer and the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons; I believe that doctrine to be agreeable to the Word of God; and in public prayer and administration of the sacraments I will use the form in the said book prescribed, and none other, except as far as shall be ordered by lawful authority.
14The archbishop says to the bishop(s)-elect
NN, you have been chosen to serve as a bishop in the Church of God, and serve as the bishop of the diocese of M in the Anglican Church of Australia.
In accordance with the law of our Church, I now require you to declare your assent to the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and to take the Oath of Canonical Obedience.
The bishop(s)-elect assent(s) to the Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church of Australia.
I, NN, do solemnly and sincerely declare my assent to be bound by the Constitution of the Anglican Church of Australia [and the Constitution of the Province of...] and of this diocese and by the canons, statutes, ordinances and rules, however described, from time to time of the synod of this diocese and of the General Synod [and of the Provincial Synod] which have force in this diocese.
The bishop(s)-elect take(s) the Oath of Canonical Obedience to the metropolitical bishop, or where applicable, the bishop of the diocese sponsoring the ordination, here designated as DD.
I, NN, do swear that I will pay true and canonical obedience to DD, and all the successors of that bishop in all things lawful and honest.
So help me God!
The bishop(s)-elect then sign(s) the necessary Assents and Oaths, in the sight of all present, and the witnesses add their signatures.
15The archbishop addresses the assembled people, saying
Dear friends in Christ, you have heard testimony given
that NN have been duly and lawfully elected
to be bishop(s) in the Church of God,
and have made the Assents and taken the Oaths required
by the Canons of this Anglican Church of Australia.
We ask you to declare,
do you accept NN, to minister as bishop(s)?
The people respond
By the grace of God, we do.
Will you then uphold and support NN as bishop(s)?
By the grace of God, we will.
16The archbishop addresses the bishop(s)-elect, saying
NN, do you trust that you are called by God
to the office and work of a bishop in the Church of God?
The bishop(s)-elect respond(s)
I believe I am called to this ministry.
The people have affirmed their trust in you.
Will you endeavour to fulfil this trust, in obedience to Christ?
I will, by the grace of God.
THE PRAYERS
17The archbishop says
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus spent the whole night in prayer before he chose and sent out the twelve apostles.
Likewise, the apostles prayed before they appointed
Matthias to be one of their number,
as did the church at Antioch before commissioning
Paul and Barnabas for their mission.
Let us therefore follow their examples,
and offer our prayers to God
as we prepare to consecrate NN to be
bishop(s) in the Church of God.
After a period of silence, the Litany for Ministry (page 192) follows.
THE EXHORTATION AND EXAMINATION
18The archbishop says
A bishop is called to maintain the Church’s witness
to the resurrection of Christ from the dead,
to protect the purity of the gospel,
and to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
As a chief minister and pastor in Christ’s Church,
you are to guard its faith, unity and discipline,
and promote its mission in the world.
You are to ensure that God’s word is faithfully proclaimed,
Christ’s sacraments duly administered,
and Christ’s discipline applied justly, with mercy.
You are to lead and guide the priests and deacons
under your care,
and be faithful in the choosing and ordaining of ministers.
You are to watch over, protect and serve the people of God,
to teach and govern them, and to be hospitable.
You must, therefore, know and be known by them,
and be a good example to all.
These are the duties of a bishop, and they are weighty.
Are you willing to perform them?
The bishop(s)-elect respond(s)
I am willing: may God guide and help me.
19The archbishop continues
The Scriptures and ancient canons of the Church require that we should not be hasty in the laying on of hands to admit anyone to an office of government in the Church. Therefore, I ask you these questions, so that all present may hear how you are determined to act in the Church of God.
Are you convinced that the holy Scriptures contain all doctrine necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Will you instruct from them the people committed to your care, teaching nothing as essential to salvation which cannot be demonstrated from the Scriptures?
I am convinced, and will do so, with God’s help.
Will you then be faithful in prayer, and diligent in the study of the holy Scriptures, so that you may be equipped to teach and encourage with sound doctrine?
I will, seeking to discern the mind of Christ by the Spirit of God.
Will you proclaim the gospel to all, especially those among whom you live?
Will you lead those in your care to obey our Saviour’s command to make disciples of all nations?
I will, gladly bearing witness to Christ in the power of God.
Will you administer with mercy the discipline of this Church? Will you correct and set aside teaching that is contrary to the mind of Christ, both privately and publicly urging all to live according to God’s word?
I will, endeavouring to apply the law of Christ with the grace of God.
Will you put aside all ungodly and worldly behaviour, and live modestly, in justice and godliness, so that by your life and example you may commend Christ’s truth?
I will, seeking in all I do to demonstrate the love of God.
Will you maintain and promote quietness, peace and love among all people? Will you correct and discipline, according to the authority you have by God’s word? Will you strive to build up the body of Christ in unity, truth and love?
I will, commending to all the peace of God.
Will you be faithful in ordaining and commissioning others for ministry?
Will you encourage those committed to your care to fulfil their ministry?
I will, in all things striving to set forward the kingdom of Christ.
Will you show compassion to the poor and the stranger, be gentle with the abused and needy, and defend those who have no helper?
I will, striving to be merciful in the name of Christ.
The archbishop concludes
May God who has given you the will to do these things
give you the grace and power to perform them. Amen.
20A hymn invoking the Holy Spirit is sung.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
21The bishop(s)-elect kneel(s) before the archbishop, who says
Blessed are you, Lord our God!
You have given us your only Son
to be the Apostle and High Priest of our faith,
and the Shepherd of our souls.
Exalted as Lord of all,
he poured out the Spirit and gave gifts to your people,
making some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
and to build up the body of Christ.
And now we give you thanks
that you have called these your servants,
whom we consecrate in your name,
to the ministry of bishops in your Church.
Here the archbishop and bishops present lay their hands on the head of each bishop-elect, the archbishop saying
Send down the Holy Spirit upon your servant NN,
whom we set apart by the laying on of our hands,
for the office and work of a bishop in your Church.
When hands have been laid on all who are to be consecrated bishop the archbishop continues
Fill these your servants, merciful God, with grace and power,
that they may always be ready to proclaim
the good news of salvation.
Fill their hearts with love of you and your people,
that they may feed and tend the flock of Christ.
Give them humility, and defend them from all evil,
that they may exercise without reproach the office of bishop,
using its authority to heal, and not to hurt,
to build up, and not destroy.
Accept our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit belong glory and honour, worship and praise, now and for ever.
The people respond
Amen.
22Each newly consecrated bishop is vested according to the order of bishops.
The archbishop delivers to each a copy of the Holy Scriptures, saying
NN, receive this Bible.
Study it well, and expound its teaching.
In it are contained the words of eternal life.
Take them for your rule, and declare them to the world.
Where an episcopal staff is given, it may be presented here.
The archbishop says
[NN, receive this staff as a sign of your pastoral office.]
Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, and not a wolf.
Encourage the faithful, support the weak, heal the sick,
bind up the broken, restore the outcast, seek the lost.
Other symbols of episcopal ministry may be presented.
The archbishop says
NN, remember your commitment to Christ and his Church.
Build up the body of Christ,
so that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear,
you may receive the unfading crown of glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The people respond
Amen.
THE GREETING OF PEACE
23The archbishop presents the newly consecrated bishop(s) to the congregation in these or similar words
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I present to you NN, bishop(s) in the Church of God.
They may be welcomed with applause.
The archbishop gives the Greeting of Peace.
We are the body of Christ.
His Spirit is with us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The people greet one another.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
24The service of Holy Communion continues, using an authorised form of the Great Thanksgiving, which may include the preface appropriate for an ordination (page 162).
Before the blessing, this prayer is said for the newly ordained bishop(s).
God our Father,
shepherd and guide of all your people,
send your blessing on these your servants,
now made chief pastors in your Church.
Clothe them with your Holy Spirit,
so that in all they do and say
they may be examples of love and purity,
and lead the people committed to their charge,
following the example of Jesus, the good Shepherd.
May NN be wise and faithful stewards of your mysteries,
so that at the last they may stand before you blameless,
and finally, with all your servants, enter into eternal joy.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Notes
1 Ordinations shall ordinarily take place on a Sunday, or another Holy Day, when a large number of the people, especially the clergy, can be present.
2 The bishop’s chair should be placed so that the laying on of hands can be plainly seen.
3 Those who present ordinands should have been associated with their call and/or preparation. For example, an examining chaplain may take the place of the archdeacon and/or other persons may be involved in accordance with diocesan procedure. The ordinands may be presented individually or as a group.
In the case of the ordination of a priest, a layperson sharing in the presentation may say of each ordinand,
‘We give thanks for N’s ministry as a deacon.
We believe that s/he will serve Christ well as a priest.’
4 As directed by the Canons of this Church, a bishop shall be ordained by at least three bishops. The bishop who presides over the ordination of a bishop is referred to here as ‘the archbishop’. Representative laypersons, deacons and priests of the diocese where the bishop is to serve should be assigned appropriate duties within the service.
5 The prayers may follow the examination.
6 If any serious offence or obstacle is alleged against a candidate, the bishop shall postpone the candidate’s ordination until the matter has been resolved.
7 At the presentation of the Scriptures or New Testament, the Bible of the church may be used for each candidate in turn.
In the case of the ordination of a bishop, the Bible may be laid on the neck of each bishop-elect. When the episcopal staff is to be presented at another time, the words in brackets in ¶ 22 are omitted.
Other symbols of ordained ministries may also be presented.
8 Suitable hymns invoking the Holy Spirit include the following:
Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
Come Holy Ghost, Creator come
Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly dove
O breath of life, come sweeping through us
Come, O Spirit, from on high
O Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Scripture Readings
Sentences and readings from the Scriptures appropriate for ordinations include the following:
Deacons
Sentences: Mark 10.45; John 12.26; 2 Corinthians 5.20
Old Testament: Isaiah 49.1–6; Isaiah 61.1–3a; Jeremiah 1.4–10
Psalms: Psalm 96; Psalm 100; Psalm 117
Epistle: Acts 6.1–15; Acts 8.26–40; Romans 12.1–12 (13–21); 1 Timothy 3.8–13; 2 Corinthians 5.14–21
Gospel: Matthew 20.25–28; Mark 10.35–45; Luke 22.(14–23) 24–27; John 13.1–5 (6–11) 12–17
Priests
Sentences: Matthew 20.28; John 17.17–18; Ephesians 4.11–12
Old Testament: Numbers 11.16–17, 24–25 (26–30); Isaiah 6.1–8; Ezekiel 3.16–21; Jeremiah 1.4–10
Psalms: Psalm 84; Psalm 96; Psalm 100
Epistle: Acts 10.34–44; Romans 10.9–15; Romans 12.1–12 (13–21); 2 Corinthians 4.1–7; Ephesians 4.1–8, 11–13
Gospel: Matthew 9.35–38; Luke 10.1–9; John 10.1–16; John 15.9–17 (18–20); John 20.19–23
Bishops
Sentences: John 17.18–19; Acts 20.28; 1 Timothy 4.13–14; 1 Timothy 5.17
Old Testament: Numbers 27.15–23; Isaiah 61.1–3a; Ezekiel 34.11–16
Psalms: Psalm 1; Psalm 15; Psalm 119.165–174
Epistle: Acts 1.15–17, 20–26; Acts 20.28–35; 2 Corinthians 4.1–7; 1 Peter 5.1–11
Gospel: Luke 4.16–21; Luke 10.1–9; John 21.15–17