Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/517



My brother, the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in  proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel,  and to testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and  King of kings.

You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of  the sacraments of the New Covenant; to ordain priests and  deacons and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all  things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the  entire flock of Christ.

With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of  every generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to follow him who came, not to be served, but to  serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?

I am so persuaded.