And in declaring the ecclesiastical parity of its ministers, whether Episcopally or otherwise or dained, it distinctly recognizes the validity of Presbyterian orders, and no more allows the re ordination of ministers who have been ordained by the hands of the Presbytery than of those whc have been ordained by Episcopal hands.
In taking this position with regard to Episco pacy, the Reformed Episcopal Church has simply gone back to the Scriptural position of the choice spirits of the Church of England at the Reforma tion, and to the practice of the Church of England for many years thereafter in allowing ministers from the continent, who had received only Pres byterian ordination, to hold positions in the Church of England without reordination. And in taking this position so honestly and openly the Re formed Episcopal Church has placed itself in a relation of cordial and liberal and brotherly fel lowship with all other branches of the Church of Christ.
(5) Relation to Other Churches. With the congregational character of the individual parishes, in whose affairs communicants and contributors participate; with its freedom of extempore prayer ; with its recognition of the ministerial character and standing of clergymen, and of the Christian character and standing of members in other churches; with its Episcopal government and ad herence to a Liturgy ; with its broad fellowships and practical sympathies. it affords a meeting
ground for a common Christendom.
(6) Government. The supreme legislative body in the church is the General Council. which at first met annually, in recent years triennially. Synods composed of neighboring parishes may be formed and have the privilege of choosing each its own bishop with the consent of General Council, and of making its own canons, not conflicting with those of the general Church. There are three Synods, New York and Philadel phia, Chicago, and Canada. Missionary Bishops are assigned to jurisdictions outside the limits of Synods. There is a special jurisdiction composed of colored persons in South Carolina.
(7) Past and Future. In the first few years of its history the growth of the church was rapid. More recently the growth has coincided with the normal growth of other churches.
Holding a unique position in the Christian world, the Reformed Episcopal Church, with the lapse of years, may reasonably be expected to gain adherents, strength, and influence. Conservative, and yet progressive, she has both the statics and the dynamics of progress in her constitutional un folding and development.