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The Threefold Anglican Ministry (1)

Created on: 2024-11-08

The Threefold Anglican Ministry in the Writings of Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker and Jeremy Taylor, Whitestone Esoteric, 2024 (ISBN: 979-8-89660-925-4)

The English Ordinal of 1550 determined the principal structure for ordering the Church of England's ministry. The three historic offices of bishop, priest, and deacon remained a constant feature of the religious establishment from the Reformation, though theological apologetic for retaining the traditional ministries varied during the period. The sacerdotal role of the priesthood and apostolic succession were at the heart of the debate. In the middle of the following century, when divines like Jeremy Taylor made their response to opponents of the episcopate, it was often an appeal to the enduring character of the Ordinal's Preface as a summary of the conformist position that featured in that defence. "I sum up with the attestation of the Church of England in the book of Ordination" wrote Bishop Taylor, "it is evident to all men diligently reading the holy Scripture and ancient authors. From the Apostles' time, these orders of ministers have been in Christ's Church: Bishops, Priests and Deacons."

The revision made in 1662 reinforced the necessity for bishops to ordain lay clergy and confirmed the Church of England's commitment to maintaining the traditional threefold ministry. This development culminated in a long and tumultuous period of religious controversy and conflict in England.

The writings of Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker and Jeremy Taylor played a crucial role in shaping a more coherent doctrine of ordination.

This short work examines their contributions and considers the lasting impact of their teachings on Anglican doctrine, including the text of the first Ordinal.

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