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An Introduction to Liturgical

The Reformed Episcopal Church is a continuation of the English Church established in the 16th century by the leaders of the Protestant Reformation.  It was officially organized on December 2, 1873 by The Rt. Rev. George David Cummings, D.D. Bishop Cummins was a duly consecrated Bishop in the Protestant Episcopal Church who became increasingly concerned about the manner in which that church was straying from its biblical and historical base.

In founding the new denomination, Bishop Cummins' vision was of a church committed to the Holy Scriptures functioning within the historical framework of the ancient and reformational church.  In his words, it was to be a church following the "old paths."

The Reformed Episcopal Church, both liturgical and evangelical, has been careful to preserve her historic Episcopate ever since its founding in 1873 and has remained faithful in her use of the historic Book of Common Prayer as a vehicle for worshiping God. This liturgy has remained consistent with the theology of the English Reformation.

We continue to follow this historic pattern of worship principally because we believe it to be a most biblical and effective form of expressing our corporate praise to Almighty God.

The Book of Common Prayer used in the Reformed Episcopal Church is composed almost entirely of selections from Scripture which are woven together in such a way as to move the participants in a logical and orderly manner in their expression of Almighty God's worthiness.

Most importantly, God's revelation in the Bible remains central, giving us confidence that our worship is acceptable to God, for we speak to Him in the very words He has given us.

Through the faithful administration of the Eucharist, the hearts of the participants are strengthened. They are reminded of their union with Christ, their absolute reliance upon God, and their unique position of being the Children of God. By worshiping in this manner, the Reformed Episcopal Church maintains a link with the Church of Jesus Christ through the ages.

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