ACA CANONS III - MINISTRY

TITLE III - THE MINISTRY

Section 24.1

(a) Every person desiring to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders is, in the first instance, to consult his immediate Pastor, or, if he have none, some Presbyter to whom he is personally known, setting before him the grounds of his desire for admission to the Ministry, together with such circumstances as may bear on his qualification, or tend to affect his course of preparation.

(b) If, as the result of a thorough inquiry into the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual qualifications of the applicant, he is counseled by the aforesaid Presbyter to persevere in his intentions, he shall make his desire known personally, if possible, or in writing, to the Bishop in whose jurisdiction he has been canonically resident for the three months preceding. But with the written consent of the said Bishop, and on the recommendation of at least one Presbyter of the said jurisdiction who is acquainted with the applicant, the latter may at once apply to some other Bishop. He shall give to the Bishop the name of his Pastor, or, if he have none, of some other Presbyter in good standing, to whom he is personally known, from whom the Bishop may ascertain, either by personal conference, or by direct report in writing, his qualification, as stated above, for the work of the Ministry.

Before the admission of a Postulant the Bishop shall whenever possible confer in person with the applicant, and shall require the applicant to submit to a thorough examination by a physician appointed by the Bishop. This examination shall cover the man's mental and nervous as well as his physical condition. The form of medical report prepared by the Standing Joint Commission on Education for Holy Orders shall be used for this purpose. The Bishop may require from the applicant's Rector and Vestry a certificate in the following words, viz:

To the Right Reverend A.B., Bishop of ___________

We, whose name are hereunder written, testify to our belief (based on personal knowledge or on evidence satisfactory to us) that A.B. is sober, honest, and godly, and that he is a communicant of this Church in good standing. We do furthermore declare that, in our opinion, he possesses such qualifications as fit him to be admitted a Postulant for Holy Orders.
(Signed)

Whenever such a recommendation is required a copy shall be filed with the Standing Committee of the Diocese or Council of Advice of the Missionary District.

A record of the medical report shall be kept on file by the Bishop and shall be submitted to the Standing Committee, or Council of Advice, when application is made by the Postulant to be recommended for admission as a Candidate.

(1) His full name and age.

(2) The length of time he has been resident in the Diocese or Missionary District.

(3) When, and by whom, he was baptized.

(4) When, and by whom, he was confirmed.

(5) When, and where, he was admitted to Holy Communion.

(6) Whether he has ever before applied for admission as a Postulant or as a Candidate for Holy Orders.

(7) On what grounds he is moved to seek the Sacred Ministry.

Section 24.2

(a) The Bishop, in a book to be kept for that purpose, shall enter the name of each applicant, with the fact of his approval or disapproval of the application, and the date of such entry. If he approve of the application, he shall inform the applicant of the fact, and of the date of his admission as Postulant.

(b) The Bishop may at any time remove a name from the list of Postulants, if he is convinced, after investigation, that there exists a valid reason why the Postulant should not, within a reasonable time, be admitted as a Candidate for Holy Orders. Without further reason, the Bishop may remove the name of a Postulant who fails to be admitted as a Candidate within four years from the date of his reception as a Postulant. Whenever a name is removed from the list of Postulants, notice of such action and its date shall be given promptly to the former Postulant.

(c) Every Postulant for Holy Orders shall report himself to the Ecclesiastical Authority personally or by letter, four times a year, in the Ember Weeks, giving account of his manner of life and progress in his studies; and if he fails to make such reports to the satisfaction of the Ecclesiastical Authority, his name may be stricken from the list of Postulants.

Section 24.3

(a) No Bishop shall accept as a Postulant any person who has been refused admission as a Postulant or as a Candidate for Holy Orders in any other Diocese or Missionary District, or who, having been admitted, has afterwards ceased to be a Postulant or a Candidate, until he shall have produced a certificate from the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese or Missionary District in which he has been refused admission, or in which he has been a Postulant or a Candidate, declaring the cause of refusal or of cessation.

(b) Should the Bishop accept such applicant as a Postulant, he shall send the said certificate, or a copy thereof, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese, to be considered by them if the said Postulant should apply to be recommended for admission as a Candidate.

Section 24.4
A Standing Committee, acting as Ecclesiastical Authority of a Diocese, shall be competent to receive and act upon applications under this Canon from persons desiring to be received as Postulants.

Section 24.5

(a) The Postulant, before entering upon his course of theological studies, must lay before the Bishop and the Board of Examining Chaplains satisfactory evidence that he is a graduate of some college or university, together with a full statement of the work done by him in such college or university. If this work includes sufficient instruction in the subject specified in Clause (b) of this Section and is otherwise deemed adequate and satisfactory, no further examination shall be required; but if not, the Postulant must satisfy the Board of Examining Chaplains that he possesses the intellectual ability to enter with advantage upon a course of study preparatory to Holy Orders.

(b) If the Postulant be not a graduate as aforesaid, he shall be required to pass an examination in the following subjects:

(1) English or the language (including grammar and composition) and

(2) Literature of the country in which he expects to exercise his ministry;

(3) Latin, or a reading knowledge of an ancient or modern language other than his own;

(4) History, Ancient and modern;

(5) Mathematics, or one of the Natural Sciences;

(6) Philosophy;

(7) Psychology, or one of the Social Sciences.

(c) If the Postulant have attained the age of thirty‑two years, and have shown such proficiency in business or professional life as gives promise of usefulness in the Ministry, the Bishop, on recommendation of the Board of Examining Chaplains, may, at his discretion, dispense him from examination in all but the following subjects:

(1) English or the language (including grammar and composition) and

(2) Literature of the country in which he expects to exercise his ministry;

(3) History, ancient and modern;

(4) One of the following subjects:

(a) Mathematics,

(b) A Natural or Social Science,

(d) Psychology.

(d) If the native language of the Postulant be other than English, and he is to exercise his Ministry among people of his own language in the United States, the Bishop, on recommendation of the Board of Examining Chaplains, may, at his discretion, dispense him from all examinations except those specified in the Clause immediately preceding this Clause. But if the Postulant is to exercise his Ministry among people of his language in an overseas jurisdiction, the Bishop may, at his discretion, dispense him from all such examinations; Provided, only, that he shall satisfy the Bishop and the Board of Examining Chaplains that he possesses good mental ability and sufficient education to enable him to pursue a course of study preparatory to the work of the Ministry.

(e) Should a Postulant who has been examined in any of the above subjects afterwards apply for admission as Postulant in any other Diocese or Missionary District, he shall lay before the Bishop of such Diocese or District a certificate from the Bishop who admitted him as Postulant, stating what examinations he has taken and the result of each. And if he has failed to pass in any subject, he shall not be admitted to examination in that subject until at least six months after such failure.

(f) The Board of Examining Chaplains may, at their discretion, accept, in lieu of examination, satisfactory evidence that the Postulant has fulfilled the requirements in any one or more of the subjects specified in this Canon.

Section 24.6
The Board of Examining Chaplains shall report to the Bishop in writing whether these examinations have been satisfactorily sustained, and the Bishop shall transmit this report to the Standing Committee or Council of Advice.

CANON 25 - Of Candidates for Holy Orders

Section 25.1
A Postulant, having been duly received, may apply to the Standing Committee of the Diocese or the Council of Advice of the Missionary District, in which he is a Postulant, for recommendation to the Bishop to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders, and shall submit the following papers, viz:

(1) An application signed by himself.

(2) The Bishop's certificate of his admission as a Postulant.

(3) A certificate from the Theological Seminary where he is studying, or from the clergyman under whose direction he is pursuing his studies, showing his scholastic record and personal qualifications for the Ministry of this Church as revealed by one year's work.

(4) A certificate in the following words:

To the Standing Committee of (Place) (Date),

We, whose names are hereunder written, testify to our belief (based on personal knowledge or on evidence satisfactory to us) that A.B. is sober, honest, and godly, and that he is a communicant of this Church in good standing. We do furthermore declare that, in our opinion, he possesses such qualifications as fit him to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders.

(Signed)

This certificate must be signed by the Minister of the Parish to which the Postulant belongs and by a majority of the whole Vestry, and must be attested by the Minister, or by the Clerk or Secretary of the Vestry, as follows, viz:

I hereby certify that the foregoing certificate was signed at a meeting of the Vestry of ____ Parish, duly convened at _____ on the _____ day of _____, and that the names attached are those of all (or a majority of all) the members of the Vestry.

(Signed) The Minister of ___________ ( or Clerk or Secretary of the Vestry).

Section 25.2
But should the Parish be without a Minister, it shall suffice that in his place the certificate from the Vestry be signed by some Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District in good standing to whom the Postulant is personally known, the reason for the substitution being stated in the attesting clause.

Section 25.3

(a) Should there be no organized Parish at the place of residence of the Postulant, or should it be impracticable, through circumstances not affecting his moral or religious character, to obtain the signatures of the Minister and Vestry, or of the Vestry, it may suffice if the certificate be signed by at least:

(1) One Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District in good standing to whom the Postulant is personally known; and,

(2) Four Laymen, communicants of this Church in good standing, to whom the Postulant is personally known.

(b) In such case, the reasons for departing from the regular form must be given in the attesting clause, which shall be signed by the same, or some other Presbyter of this Church in good standing, and shall be in the following words, viz:

I hereby certify that the Laymen whose names are attached to the foregoing certificate are communicants of this Church in good standing, and that this form of certificate was used for no reasons affecting the moral or religious character of the candidate, but because (here give the reasons for departing from the regular form.)

(Signed), Presbyter of the Diocese, or Missionary District, of ________

Section 25.4
The Standing Committee, on receipt of the report of the Board of Examining Chaplains required in Canon 24 Section 6, and of the certificate or certificates as above prescribed, and after investigation of any sufficient objection on grounds either physical, moral, or spiritual, to the admission of the applicant, may, at a meeting duly convened (a majority of all the members consenting), recommend the Postulant for admission to Candidateship, by a testimonial bearing the signatures of a majority of all the members of the Committee, and addressed to the Bishop, in the following words, viz:

To the Right Reverend _____, Bishop of ______

We, being a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee of ____, and having been duly convened at _____, do testify that from personal knowledge or from certificates laid before us we are well assured that A.B. is sober, honest, and godly; and that he is a communicant of this Church in good standing; and we do furthermore declare that, in our opinion, he possesses qualifications which fit him to be admitted a Candidate for Holy Orders.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this _____ day of ____ in the year of our Lord ____

(Signed)

This testimonial shall be presented to the Bishop without delay.

Section 25.5
When the aforesaid requirements have been complied with, the Bishop may admit the Postulant as a Candidate for Holy Orders. He shall thereupon record his name, with the date of his admission, in a book to be kept for that purpose, and shall inform the Candidate and the Secretary of the Standing Committee of the fact and date of such admission.

CANON 26 - Of General Provisions Concerning Candidates for Holy Orders.

Section 26.1

(a) The superintendence of all Candidates for Holy Orders, both as to their daily life and as to the direction of their theological studies, pertains to the Bishop of the Diocese or Missionary District to which they belong. The Bishop may at his discretion ask one or more of the Board of Examining Chaplains to assist him in this superintendence.

(b) Every Candidate shall pursue his studies diligently under proper direction; he shall not indulge in vain or trifling conduct or in amusements unfavorable to godly and studious habits and to that good report which becomes a person preparing for the Holy Ministry.

(c) When the Standing Committee of a Diocese is the Ecclesiastical Authority thereof, the Clerical members of the Committee shall, through the President, discharge the duties assigned in this Section to the Bishop.

Section 26.2

(a) A Candidate must remain in canonical connection with the Diocese or Missionary District in which he has been admitted, until his ordination, except as hereinafter otherwise provided.

(b) For reasons satisfactory to the Ecclesiastical Authority, Letters Dimissory may be granted to a Candidate on his own request to any other Diocese or Missionary District.

(c) Convenience of attending any Theological or other Seminary shall not be a sufficient reason for change of canonical residence.

Section 26.3

(a) Every Candidate for Holy Orders shall report himself to the Ecclesiastical Authority, personally or by letter, four times a year, in the Ember Weeks, giving account of his manner of life and progress in his studies; and if he fail to make such report to the satisfaction of the Ecclesiastical Authority, his name may be stricken from the list of Candidates.

(b) If a Candidate for Holy Orders shall fail to present himself for examination within three years from the date of his admission as a candidate, his name may, after due notice, be stricken from the list of Candidates at the discretion of the Bishop.

(c) If a Candidate for Holy Orders shall have passed his canonical examinations, but is refused, on other grounds, recommendation for ordination, the Bishop, with the consent of the Standing Committee or Council of Advice, may remove his name from the list of Candidates.

Section 26.4
A Candidate for Holy Orders, in any Diocese or Missionary District of this Church, or of any Church in communion with this Church, whose name shall have been stricken from the list of Candidates, or whose application for ordination shall have been rejected, shall not be ordained without re‑admission to Candidateship, said Candidateship to continue for not less than one whole year; Provided, that in no such case shall the whole term of Candidateship be less than two years.

Section 26.5
A Candidate for Holy Orders shall not be a Delegate to the General Synod.

CANON 27 - Of the Normal Standard of Learning

and Examination of Candidates for Holy Orders

Section 27.1

(a) Before ordination to the Diaconate, the Candidate must pass examinations before the Board of Examining Chaplains in the following subjects required for Deacon's and Priest's Orders:

(1) Holy Scripture: The Old and New Testaments in English, their contents and historical background; a reading knowledge of the New Testament in Greek, together with special knowledge of one Synoptic Gospel and the Gospel according to Saint John, and of three Epistles, one of which shall be Romans or First Corinthians;

(2) Church History: From the beginning to the present time; together with:

a. Special Knowledge of a period or topic elected by the Candidate with the approval of the Examining Chaplains;

b. The history, extent, and methods of Christian Missions;

c. Ecclesiastical Polity;

(3) Theology: Historical, philosophical, and systematic;

(4) Christian Ethics and Moral Theology;

(5) Liturgics: The Principles and History of Christian Worship; the Contents of the Book of Common Prayer;

(6) Practical Theology:

a. The use of the Book of Common Prayer, the Administration of the Sacraments, and the Conduct of Public Worship;

b. Homiletics: Principles of Sermon Composition and Delivery. In connection with the examination in this subject the Candidate shall present three sermons, composed by himself, on texts of Holy Scripture appointed by the Bishop;

c. Pastoral Care;

d. Parish Organization and Administration, including the keeping of records;

e. Principles and methods of Christian Education in the Parish;

f. Canon Law, including the Constitution and Canons of the General Synod and of the Diocese or District to which the Candidate belongs;

g. The use of the voice in reading and speaking.

(b) If a Candidate desires a dispensation from examination in the Greek of the New Testament, he shall make application to the Bishop in writing, stating his reasons for the request. The Bishop may, upon recommendation of the Board of examining Chaplains, at his discretion, grant the same. A Candidate so dispensed shall be examined in the special exegetical knowledge in English of one Synoptic Gospel and the Gospel according to Saint John, and of three Epistles, one of which shall be Romans or First Corinthians.

(c) If the Candidate has been a Minister or Licentiate in some other body of Christians, he shall also be examined, in writing, on those points of Doctrine, Discipline, Polity, and Worship, in which the communion from which he has come differs from this Church. This portion of the examination shall be conducted, in part at least, by written questions and answers; the replies shall be kept on file for at least three years.

Section 27.2

(a) In special cases, under urgent circumstances, with the approval of the Standing Committee and the Board of Examining Chaplains, a Candidate may be admitted to the Diaconate after passing examinations in the following subjects:

(1) Holy Scripture: The Bible in English, its contents and historical background;

(2) Church History: a general outline;

(3) Doctrine: The Church's teaching as set forth in the Creeds and the Offices of Instruction;

(4) Liturgics: The Contents and Use of the Book of Common Prayer;

(5) Practical Theology:

a. The Office and Work of a Deacon,

b. The Conduct of Public Worship,

c. Principles of Sermon Composition and Delivery,

d. Principles and Methods of Christian Education in the Parish,

e. The Missionary Work of the Church,

f. Constitution and Canons of the General Synod, and of the Diocese or District to which the Candidate belongs,

g. The use of the voice in reading and speaking.

(b) Before his advancement to the Priesthood such a Candidate shall be examined in all the subjects prescribed in Section 1(a) of this Canon.

Section 27.3

(a) Examinations at any theological or other literary institution shall not supersede any canonical examination, nor shall any certificate of graduation or diploma be sufficient ground for dispensing with any part of the canonical examinations, except as provided in this Canon.

(b) It shall be the privilege of the Priest who is to present a Candidate for ordination to be present at his examinations; but no other person save the Bishop shall be permitted to be present without the consent of the Board of Examining Chaplains.

(c) The Candidate shall be examined by the Bishop in the presence of two Priests both before his ordination to the Diaconate and before his ordination to the Priesthood. The Bishop may conduct one or both of the examination by taking some part in the regular examinations held by the Examining Chaplains.

CANON 28 - Of Education for Holy Orders

Section 28.1

(a) There shall be a Standing Joint Commission of the General Synod on Education for Holy Orders appointed at each triennial session, consisting of three persons. One is to be a Bishop, another is to be a Priest, who is an Examining Chaplain, and the third is to be a member of the House of Laity. Each of these individuals shall be appointed to the said Commission by the Primate.

(b) Of these three individuals appointed to the said Commission, one is to be appointed as the General Coordinator. A part of the responsibilities of the General Coordinator is to assist individuals who desire a religious education to obtain the same. The General Coordinator is to make available, to anyone who seeks his assistance, information as to where a religious education may be obtained.

Section 28.2
The duties of the Joint Commission shall be, viz:

(a) To study the needs and trends of education for Holy Orders in the Church, within the jurisdiction of this Church, and to make recommendations to the Executive Council and the General Synod with respect thereto.

(b) To determine whether any institution of learning, within the jurisdiction of this Church, shall be recognized as a Theological Seminary of this Church in accordance with standards approved by the General Synod.

(c) To advise and assist the Seminaries and other institutions of the Church for the training of men for Holy Orders within the jurisdiction of this Church.

(d) To promote continuing co‑operation between and among the Theological Seminaries of this Church.

(e) To develop programs and courses of study for the training of men for Holy Orders within the jurisdiction of this church, and to make certain that the best individual available shall be used to teach the courses to individuals training for Holy Orders within the jurisdiction of this Church.

(f) To make use of all the technological advances available to make certain that all of the men training for Holy Orders within the jurisdiction of this Church shall be exposed to the best available person for teaching of the courses.

(g) To compile and present to each triennial session of the General Synod a complete statistical report of the work of the several Theological Seminaries of the Church and, as far as possible, of other institutions for the training of men for Holy Orders.

(h) To devise the form of medical reports required under Canons for the examination of the mental, nervous, and physical condition of Postulants, Candidates, and Ordinands to Holy Orders, and the form of reports pertaining to Deaconesses, provided, that the tests and examinations included in such reports shall be relevant to the Canonical qualification of such persons, and not inconsistent with the Faith of this Church.

Section 25.3
To be recognized as a Theological Seminary of this Church an institution of learning shall comply with the following standards, viz:

(a) Its primary purpose shall be the education of men for Holy Orders.

(b) It shall throughout each normal academic year offer courses of study in the subjects prescribed in these Canons for the learning and examination of Candidates for Holy Orders.

(c) Its faculty shall include at least four full‑time professors duly qualified, according to generally accepted academic standard, to teach such courses.

(d) Its student body shall number not less than twenty men pursuing a three year course normally leading to a baccalaureate or master's degree in theology, or divinity, of who at least fifty percent shall hold an A.B. degree or its equivalent; except that, for seminaries outside the continental United States, the Joint Commission shall have the authority to establish such other standards as may be appropriate.

(e) Its organization, financial resources, equipment, and facilities shall be such as reasonably to assure its stability and permanence and its separate identity as an institution for Theological Education.

Section 25.4
It shall be the duty of each Theological Seminary of this Church and of each other institution for the training of men for Holy Orders to present annually to the Joint Commission statistical reports on forms prepared and provided by the Commission.

CANON 29 - Of a Board of Examining Chaplains

Section 29.1
In every Diocese or Missionary District there shall be a Board of Examining Chaplains, consisting of at least two learned Presbyters, canonically resident within the said Diocese or Missionary District. Examining Chaplains shall be nominated by the Bishop at the Annual Synod or Council, the nomination being confirmed by the vote of the Synod or Council. Their term of office shall be fixed by Diocesan Canons. Should vacancies occur in the Board when the Synod or Council is not in session, the Bishop shall similarly nominate to the Standing Committee or Council of Advice, upon whose confirmation the person or persons so designated shall be added to the Board and shall serve until the next meeting of the Synod or Council.

Section 29.2
The Board of Examining Chaplains may adopt rules for its work, subject to the approval of the Bishop, provided the same are not inconsistent with the Canons of the General Synod. These rules may include the appointment of committees of the Board to act on its behalf.

Section 29.3
It shall be the duty of the Board of Examining Chaplains, under the guidance and oversight of the Bishop, to conduct the examinations of Postulants and Candidates prescribed by these Canons. These examinations shall be, in part at least, in writing. The Examining Chaplains, when so requested by the Bishop, shall give oversight to Postulants, Candidates, and Deacons, and shall advise them in regard to their studies and preparation.

Section 29.4
The Board of Examining Chaplains shall promptly report, in writing, to the Bishop the results of all examinations held by them, whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory, making separate reports upon each of the appointed subjects, and upon each person examined. The Bishop shall transmit these reports to the Standing Committee or Council of Advice, who shall in no case recommend a Postulant for admission as Candidate for Holy Orders, or recommend a Candidate for Ordination to the Diaconate or to the Priesthood, until they have received a report from the Board of Examining Chaplains that he has successfully passed the required examinations. The report of the Board shall be made in the following form, viz:

To the Right Reverend _____, Bishop of _____ (or the Clerical Members of the Standing Committee of _____ as the case may be).

Place ________ Date ________,

We, having been assigned as Examiners of A.B., hereby testify that we have examined the said A.B. upon the subjects prescribed in Canon 27. Sensible of our responsibility, we give our judgment as follows: (Here specify the proficiency of A.B. in each of the subjects appointed, as made apparent by the examinations).

(Signed)

Section 29.5
The Board shall make an annual report concerning its work to the Synod or Council.

Section 29.6
The Bishop, with the consent of the Board of Examining Chaplains, may ask the Examining Chaplains of another Diocese or Missionary District to conduct the examination of a Postulant or Candidate on their behalf.

CANON 30 - Of Examination for Admission to Holy Orders in Special Cases

Section 30.1
In special cases the requirements of the Normal Standard of Learning may be modified as hereinafter provided. But in every case before a Deacon shall be ordered Priest, he shall be examined, by the Bishop and two Presbyters, in the office and work of a Priest, and as to his ability to serve the Church in that Order of the Ministry.

Section 30.2
A Deacon who prepared for ordination under the provisions of Canon 24, Section 5(d), and who has served two years in the Diaconate with good repute and success, may be admitted to the Priesthood without further examination by the Board of Examining Chaplains; Provided, that if he is to minister within the United States of America, he pass a special examination in the history and government thereof. But he shall not be granted Letters Dimissory from one Diocese or District to another without the request, in writing, of the Bishop of the Diocese or District to which he wishes to go, unless he shall have passed the full examinations prescribed in Canon 27, Section 1.

Section 30.3
In all cases of the ordination under this Canon of men with modified requirements of learning, a record of the modifications shall be kept by the Bishop, and the standing of every Minister thus ordained shall be reported to the Recorder with the other matters required in Canon 1, Section 4(b).

CANON 31 - Of General Provisions Respecting Ordination

Section 31.1
In accordance with ancient Canons, ordinations shall be held on the Sundays following the Ember Weeks, except that the Bishop may, if he deem proper, for urgent reasons, appoint special ordinations at other times.

Section 31.2
No appointment for the ordination of any Candidate shall be made until the Bishop has had due notice that all the canonical requirements have been complied with.

Section 31.3

(a) For the purpose of this and other Canons of Ordination, the authority assigned to the Bishop of the Diocese may be exercised by a Bishop Coadjutor, when so empowered under Canon 36, Section 2(a), or by a Suffragan Bishop when requested by the Bishop of a Diocese, or by a Missionary Bishop, or any other Bishop of this Church canonically in charge of a Diocese or Missionary District, or of congregations in foreign parts.

(b) The Council of Advice in a Missionary District shall, for the purposes of this and other Canons of Ordination, have the same powers as the Standing Committee of a Diocese.

(c) In case of a vacancy in the episcopate in a Diocese or Missionary District, the Ecclesiastical Authority may authorize and request the Primate, or another Bishop, to take order for an ordination.

Section 31.4

(a) No certificate or testimonial, the form of which is supplied by Canon, shall be valid, unless it be in the words prescribed; the omission of the date therefrom shall render such certificate or testimonial liable to rejection.

(b) No Postulant or Candidate for Holy Orders shall sign any of the certificates prescribed in the Canons of Ordination.

(c) Whenever the testimonial of the Standing Committee is required, such testimonial must be signed at a meeting duly convened, and, in the absence of express provision to the contrary, by a majority of the whole Committee.

(d) Whenever the certificate of a Vestry is required, such certificate must be signed by a majority of the whole Vestry, at a meeting duly convened, and the fact must be attested by the Secretary of the said Vestry or by the Minister.

Section 31.5
Whenever a dispensation from any of the requirements of the Canons of Ordination is permitted, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee, the application must be first to the Bishop, and, if he approve it, be by him referred to the Committee.

Section 31.6
If, in the case of any applicant for admission as a Candidate for Holy Orders, or for ordination, a majority of the Standing Committee refuse to recommend, or shall fail to act within three months, although the required certificates have been laid before the Committee, it shall be the duty of the Committee, without delay, to give to the Bishop the reasons, in writing, for such refusal or failure to act.

Section 31.7

(a) No Bishop of this Church shall ordain any person to officiate in any Congregation beyond the limits of the United States until the testimonials and certificates required by the Canons of Ordination shall have been supplied, except as provided for as follows:

(b) Any Missionary Bishop of this Church having jurisdiction in foreign lands, or any Bishop to whom the charge of Congregations in foreign lands shall have been assigned by the Primate, may ordain as Deacons or Presbyters, to officiate within the limits of his charge, any persons of the age required by the Canons of this Church, who shall exhibit to him the testimonials required by Canons 32 and 33, signed by not less than two Presbyters of this Church, who may be subject to his charge, and other satisfactory evidence of moral character from natives of the country not in Holy Orders; Provided, nevertheless, that if there be only one Presbyter of this Church subject to his charge, and capable of acting at the time, the signature of a Presbyter in good standing under the jurisdiction of any Bishop in communion with this Church may be admitted to supply the deficiency.

CANON 32 - Of Ordination to the Diaconate

Section 32.1
No one shall be ordered Deacon until he shall be twenty‑one years of age.

Section 32.2
No one shall be ordered Deacon within eighteen months from his admission as Candidate for Holy Orders, unless, under special circumstances, the Bishop, with the advice and consent of a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee or Council of Advice, shall shorten the time of his Candidacy; and in no case shall the time be shortened to less than six months.

Section 32.3
Before the ordination of a Deacon the Bishop shall require the applicant to submit to a thorough examination by a physician appointed by the Bishop. This examination shall cover the man's mental and nervous as well as his physical condition. The form of medical report prepared by the Standing Joint Commission on Education for Holy Orders shall be used for this purpose. This report shall be kept on file by the Bishop and shall be submitted to the Standing Committee or Council of Advice when application is made by the Candidate to be ordained Deacon.

Section 32.4
No one shall be ordered Deacon unless he be first recommended to the Bishop by the Standing Committee of the Diocese, or Council of Advice of the Missionary District, to which he belongs.

Section 32.5
In order to be recommended for ordination the Candidate must lay before the Standing Committee:

(a) An application therefor in writing, signed by himself, which shall state the date of his birth.

(b) A certificate from the Bishop by whom he was admitted a Candidate, declaring the date of his admission; but when such certificate cannot be had, other evidence satisfactory to the Committee shall suffice.

To the Standing Committee of _________ (Place), (Date),

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with A.B., and that I believe him to be well qualified to minister in the Office of Deacon, to the glory of God and the edification of His Church.

(Signed)

(d) A certificate from the Minister and Vestry of the Parish of which he is a member, in the following words, viz:

To the Standing Committee of ________ (Place), (Date),

We do certify that, after due inquiry, we are well assured and believe that A.B., for the space of three years last past, hath lived a sober, honest, and godly life, and that he is loyal to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this Church, and does not hold anything contrary thereto. And, moreover, we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the Sacred Order of Deacons.

(Signed)

This certificate must be attested by the Minister of the Parish, or by the Clerk or Secretary of the Vestry, as follows, viz:

I hereby certify that A.B., is a member of _____ Parish in _____ and a communicant of the same; that the foregoing certificate was signed at a meeting of the Vestry duly convened at _____ on the ____ day of _____ and that the names attached are those of all (or a majority of all) the members of the Vestry.

(Signed) The Minister of _____ or Clerk or Secretary of Vestry.

(e) A certificate from the theological seminary where he has been studying, or from the clergyman under whose direction he has been pursuing his studies, showing his scholastic record in the subjects required by the canons, and giving a judgment as to his personal qualifications for the Ministry of this Church.

Section 32.6
Should the Parish be without a Minister, it shall suffice that in his place the certificate required in paragraph (d) above be signed by some Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District in good standing, the reason for the substitution being stated in the attesting clause.

Section 32.7

(a) Should there be no organized Parish at the place of residence of the Candidate, or should it be impracticable, through circumstances not affecting his moral or religious character, to obtain the signatures of the Minister and Vestry, or of the Vestry, it may suffice if the Certificate be signed by at least One Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District in good standing, and six Laymen, communicants of this Church in good standing; or should the Candidate within the space of three years last past have been a Minister or Licentiate in some other body of Christians, by three Presbyters of this Church as to the period during which he has been a Candidate, and by six adult male members in good standing of the denomination from which the Candidate came, as to the period, within the space of three years last past, before he became a Candidate.

(b) In each case, the reasons for departing from the regular form must be given in the attesting clause, which shall be signed by the same, or some other Presbyter of this Church in good standing, and shall be in the following words, viz;

I hereby certify that the Laymen whose names are attached to the foregoing certificate are communicants of this Church in good standing, and that this form of certificate was used for no reasons affecting the moral or religious character of the Candidate, but because (here give the reasons for departing from the regular form).

(Signed) Presbyter of the Diocese, or Missionary District of ______

Section 32.8
The Standing Committee, on the receipt of the certificates prescribed above and the report of the Board of Examining Chaplains prescribed in Canon 29, Section 4, and having reason to believe that all other canonical requirements have been complied with, and having no reason to suppose the existence of any sufficient obstacle, physical, mental, moral, or spiritual, may, at a meeting duly convened, a majority of all the members of the Committee consenting, recommend the Candidate for ordination by a testimonial addressed to the Bishop in the following words, viz:

We, being a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee of _____, and having been duly convened at _____, do testify that A.B., desiring to be ordered Deacon, hath laid before us satisfactory certificates that for the space of three years last past he hath lived a sober, honest, and godly life, and that he is loyal to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this Church and does not hold anything contrary thereto. And we hereby recommend him for ordination to the Diaconate.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this ____ day of ___ in the year of our Lord ____.

(Signed)

The testimonial shall be signed by all consenting to its adoption.

Section 32.9
The testimonial having been presented to the Bishop, and there being no sufficient objection on grounds physical, mental, moral, doctrinal, or spiritual, the Bishop may take order for the ordination; and at the same time of the ordination he shall require the Candidate to subscribe and make, in his presence, the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

Section 32.10

(a) A man of devout character and proved fitness, desirous to serve in the capacity of Deacon without relinquishing his secular occupation and with no intention of seeking advancement to the Priesthood, may be accepted as a Postulant and admitted as a Candidate upon the following conditions:

(1) He shall not be less than thirty‑two years of age.

(2) He shall be accepted as a Postulant as provided in Canon 24.

(3) Fulfillment of the requirements of Clause (c) of Section 5 of Canon 24 shall suffice as educational qualification for admission to Candidateship.

(b) A Candidate so admitted may be ordained to the Diaconate at any time after six months from his admission as a Candidate, upon the following conditions:

(1) He shall have passed examinations in the subjects set forth in Canon 27, Section 2 (a); but the Bishop may at his discretion dispense him from examination in subjects (c), (d), and (e) of Practical Theology.

(2) He shall be recommended for ordination to the Diaconate by the Standing Committee or Council of Advice, as required by Section 5 of this Canon, except as to term of Candidateship.

(c) A Deacon ordained under the provisions of this Section may execute all the functions pertaining to the office of Deacons, subject to the general provisions of Canon 45. He may be assigned by the Ecclesiastical Authority as lMinister in charge of a Congregation which is unable to receive the services of a resident Priest. At the request of, or with the consent of, the Rector and Vestry he may be assigned as an assistant Minister in one or more Parishes. He shall not be dispensed as in Section 10 (b)(1) above. He may not be transferred to another jurisdiction except upon the express request in writing of the Ecclesiastical Authority thereof.

(d) Any Deacon ordained in accordance with this Section who may afterward desire to be advanced to the Priesthood shall be required to pass all examinations required of other Candidates for the Priesthood and to comply with all other canonical requirements precedent to such ordination.

CANON 33 - Of Ordination to the Priesthood

Section 33.1
No one shall be ordered Priest until he be twenty‑four years of age.

Section 33.2
No one shall be ordered Priest until he has been a Deacon one full year, unless it shall seem good to the Bishop, for reasonable causes, with the advice and consent of a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee, to shorten the time; nor within two years from his admission as a Candidate for Holy Orders, unless the Bishop, for urgent reasons fully stated, with the advice and consent of a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee, shall shorten the time. And in no case shall he be ordered Priest within less than one year from his admission as a Candidate for Holy Orders, nor until he has been a Deacon for at least six months. But a Deacon who has been ordained under the provisions of Canon 30, Section 2, shall not be ordered Priest until he has been a Deacon for at least two years, unless in the meantime he shall have fulfilled the requirements of Canon 27, Section 1.

Section 33.3
No Deacon shall be ordered Priest unless he be first recommended to the Bishop by the Standing Committee of the Diocese, or by the Council of Advice of the Missionary District, to which he belongs.

Section 33.4
In order to be recommended for ordination by the Standing Committee, the Deacon must lay before the Committee:

(a) An application therefor in writing signed by himself, which shall state the date of his birth.

(b) A certificate from the Bishop declaring that the term of his Candidateship and the time of his service in the Diaconate have been completed; but when such certificate cannot be had, other evidence, satisfactory to the Committee, may suffice.

To the Standing Committee of (Place), Date,

We do certify that, after due inquiry, we are well assured and believe that the Reverend A.B., Deacon, since the day of in the year being the date of his ordination to the Diaconate (or for the space of three years last past), hath lived a sober, honest, and godly life, and hath not written, taught, or held anything contrary to the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this Church. And, moreover, we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the Sacred Order of Priests.

(Signed)

This certificate must be attested by the Minister of the Parish, or by the Clerk or Secretary of the Vestry, as follows, viz:

I hereby certify that the Reverend A.B., is a resident of ____ Parish in _____ ; that the foregoing certificate was signed at a meeting of the Vestry duly convened at ___ on the ___ day of ___, and the names attached are those of all (or a majority of all) the members of the Vestry.

(Signed) The Minister of ___ or Clerk or Secretary of Vestry.

Section 33.5
But should the Parish be without a Minister, it shall suffice that in his place the certificate be signed by some Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District in good standing, the reason for the substitution being stated in the attesting clause.

Section 33.6

(1) One Presbyter of the Diocese or Missionary District, in good standing; and,

(2) Six Laymen, communicants of this Church, in good standing.

I hereby certify that the Laymen who names are attached to the foregoing certificate are communicants of this Church in good standing, and that this form of certificate was used for no reasons affecting the moral or religious character of the Candidate, but because (here give the reasons for departing from the regular form).

(Signed) Presbyter of the Diocese (or Missionary District) of ________

Section 33.7
The Standing Committee, on the receipt of the certificates prescribed above and the report of the Board of Examining Chaplains prescribed in Canon 29, Section 4, and having reason to believe that all other canonical requirements have been complied with, and having no reason to suppose the existence of any sufficient obstacle, physical, mental, moral, or spiritual, may, at a meeting duly convened, a majority of all the members of the Committee consenting, recommend the Deacon for ordination by a testimonial addressed to the Bishop in the following words, viz:

To the Right Reverend _____, Bishop of ________

We, being a majority of all the members of the Standing Committee of ___ and having been duly convened at ___, do testify that the Reverend A.B., Deacon, desiring to be ordered Priest, hath laid before us satisfactory certificates that since the ___ day of ___ in the year ___, being the date of his ordination to the Diaconate (or for the space of three years last past), he hath lived a sober, honest, and godly life, and hath not written, taught, or held anything contrary to the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this Church; and we hereby recommend him for ordination to the Priesthood.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this ___ day of ___ in the year of our Lord _____.

(Signed)

This testimonial shall be signed by all consenting to its adoption.

Section 33.8
The testimonial having been presented to the Bishop, and there being no sufficient objection on grounds physical, mental, moral, doctrinal, or spiritual, the Bishop may take order for the ordination; and at the time of the ordination he shall require the Deacon to subscribe and make, in his presence, the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

Section 33.9
No Deacon shall be ordered Priest until he shall have been appointed to serve in some Parochial Cure within the jurisdiction of this Church, or as a Missionary under the Ecclesiastical Authority of some Diocese or Missionary District, or as an officer of some Missionary Society recognized by the General Synod, or as a Chaplain of the Army or Navy of the United States, or as a Chaplain in some recognized hospital or other welfare institution, or as a Chaplain or instructor in some college or other seminary of learning, with opportunity for the exercise of his Ministry judged sufficient by the Bishop.

CANON 34 - Of Ministers Ordained in Churches Not in Communion with this Church

Section 34.1

(a) When a Minister ordained in a Church not in communion with this Church desires to be a Deacon or Priest in this Church, he shall apply to a Bishop, attaching to his written application the following:

(1) Evidence that he has been duly baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

(2) His letters of Ordination and satisfactory evidence that they and his other credentials are valid and authentic;

(3) Satisfactory evidence of his moral and godly character; and that he is free from any vows or other engagements inconsistent with the exercise of Ministry in this Church;

(4) Transcripts of his academic and theological studies;

(5) A certificate from at least two Presbyters of this Church stating that, from personal examination, or from satisfactory evidence laid before them, they believe that his desire to leave the Communion to which he has belonged has not arisen from any circumstance unfavorable to his moral or religious character, or on account of which it may not be expedient to admit him to the exercise of the Ministry of this Church;

(6) A certificate in the form provided in Canon 32, Section 5 (c) and (d), from the Minister and Vestry of a Parish of this Church; and

(7) A statement of the reasons which have moved him to seek to enter the Ministry of this Church.

(b) With regard to the fulfillment of requirements as to pre‑theological education the provisions of Canon 24, Section 5 and Section 6 shall be applicable. The applicant shall also submit to the examinations required in Canon 32, Section 3, the result of such examination to be filed and submitted as therein required.

Section 34.2

(a) If such Minister furnish evidence of a satisfactory theological training in his previous Communion, and have exercised his ministry therein with good repute and success for at least five years, he shall be examined by the Board of Examining Chaplains in the following subjects:

(1) Church History: the History of the Church of England and this Church;

(2) Doctrine: the Church's teaching as set forth in the Creeds and the Offices of Instruction;

(3) Liturgics: the Principles and History of Christian Worship; the Contents and Use of the Book of Common Prayer;

(4) Practical Theology:

a. The Office and Work of a Deacon and of a Priest

b. The Conduct of Public Worship,

c. The Constitution and Canons of General Synod, and the Diocese in which he is canonically resident,

d. The use of the voice in reading and speaking.

(5) The points of Doctrine, Discipline, Polity, and worship in which the Communion from which he has come differs from this Church. This portion of the examination shall be conducted, in part at least, by written questions and answers, and the replies kept on file for at least three years.

The Board of Examining Chaplains may, with the consent of the Bishop, and with due notice to the applicant, examine the latter in any other subject required by Canon 27, Section 1.

(b) But if such Minister cannot furnish evidence of a satisfactory theological training in his previous Communion, or if he has not exercised his Ministry therein with good repute and success for at least five years, he shall conform to the requirements of Canon 27, Section 1.

Section 34.3

(a) Prior to being examined as heretofore provided, the applicant shall have received certificates from the Bishop and from the Standing Committee, or Council of Advice, that he is acceptable as a Minister of this Church, subject to the successful completion of said examinations; but he shall not be ordained or received until, after the provision of said certificates, at least six calendar months shall have elapsed, during which period he shall undertake such studies, in a theological seminary or otherwise, as shall be directed by the Bishop with the advice of the Board of Examining Chaplains.

(b) The Bishop, in a book to be kept for that purpose, shall enter the name of each applicant, with the fact of his approval or disapproval of the application, and the date of such entry. If he approve of the application, he shall inform the applicant of the fact, and the date of his acceptance.

Section 34.4
Before such Minister shall be ordained or received into the Ministry of this Church, the Bishop shall require him to promise in writing to submit himself in all things to the Discipline of this Church without recourse to any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction or foreign civil jurisdiction; and shall further require him to subscribe and make in his presence, and in the presence of two or more Presbyters, the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution.

Section 34.5

(a) Thereafter the Bishop, being satisfied of such Minister's theological attainments and soundness in faith, may:

(1) Receive him into the Diocese or Missionary District in his own order, if he has already been ordained by a Bishop in the historic succession; or

(2) Confirm him and make him a Deacon and, no sooner than four months thereafter, ordain him as Priest if he has not received such ordination; or

(3) Make him a Deacon and, no sooner than four months thereafter, ordain him a Priest conditionally (having baptized and confirmed him conditionally if necessary) if he has been ordained by a Bishop whose authority to convey such orders has not been recognized by this Church.

(b) In the case of an ordination pursuant to Section 5(a)(2) of this Canon, the Bishop may, at the time of such ordination, read this preface to the service:

A.B., who is already a minister of Christ, now desires to be made a Deacon (or ordained a Priest) in this Church. He has satisfied the Ecclesiastical Authority of this Diocese (or Missionary District) that he accepts the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this Church. We are about to confer upon his the grace and authority of Holy Orders as this Church has received them and requires them for the exercise of the Ministry therein.

The letters of ordination in such cases may contain the words:

�Acknowledging the ministry which he has already received and hereby adding to that commission the grace and authority of Holy Orders as understood and required by this Church for the exercise of the Ministry.�

(c) In the case of a conditional ordination pursuant to Section 5(a)(3) of this Canon, the Bishop shall, at the time of such ordination, read this preface to the service:

A.B., who has been ordained by a Bishop whose authority has not been recognized by this Church, has now satisfied the Ecclesiastical Authority of this Diocese (or Missionary District) that he accepts the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of this Church and that he now desires conditional ordination. By this service of ordination, we propose to establish that A.B., is qualified to minister in this Church.

Section 34.6
No one shall be ordered Deacon or received as such until he be 21 years of age.

Section 34.7
Any other provision in other Canons inconsistent with this Canon are inapplicable.

Section 34.8
The Bishop may, pending the reception of a Priest or Deacon under this Canon, license him to officiate in his Order temporarily, provided that the Standing Committee shall consent to such license, and provided, that the Bishop and they shall certify that the Minister has been certainly validly ordained, but in the case of a Minister whose Orders are uncertain or who has not received episcopal ordination, the Bishop may, during the pendency of the Minister's application, license him as a Lay Reader or as a Preacher, or both.

CANON 35 - Of Ministers Ordained in Foreign Countries by

Bishops in Communion with this Church.

Section 35.1

(a) A Minister declaring himself to have been ordained beyond the limits of the United States by a foreign Bishop in Communion with this Church, or by a Bishop consecrated for a foreign country by Bishops of this Church under Article III of the Constitution, shall, before he be permitted to officiate in any Parish or Congregation of this Church, exhibit to the Minister, or, if there be no Minister, to the Vestry thereof, a certificate of recent date, signed by the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese or Missionary District, that his letters of Holy Orders and other credentials are valid and authentic, and given by a Bishop in communion with this Church, and also that he has exhibited to the said Ecclesiastical Authority satisfactory evidence of his moral and godly character, and of his theological acquirements.

(b) And before he shall be permitted to take charge of any Parish or Congregation, or be received into any Diocese or Missionary District of this Church as a Minister thereof, he shall produce to the Ecclesiastical Authority Letters Dimissory or equivalent credentials under the hand and seal of the Bishop with whose Diocese or Missionary District he has been last connected, which letters or credentials shall be delivered within six months from the date thereof. Before such Minister shall be so received, the Bishop shall require him to promise in writing to submit himself in all things to the Discipline of this Church, without recourse to any foreign jurisdiction, civil or ecclesiastical; and shall further require him to subscribe and make in his presence, and in the presence of two or more Presbyters, the declaration required in Article VIII of the Constitution. He shall also be examined by the Bishop and at least one Presbyter as to his knowledge of the history of this Church, its worship and government. The said Ecclesiastical Authority, being satisfied of his theological acquirements, may then receive him into the Diocese or Missionary District as a Minister of this Church; Provided, that such Minister shall not be entitled to hold canonical charge of any Parish or Congregation, until he shall have resided one year in the United States subsequent to the acceptance of his credentials.

(c) A Minister declaring himself to have been ordained beyond the limits of the United States by a foreign Bishop in communion with this Church, or by a Bishop consecrated for a foreign country by Bishops of this Church, under Article III of the Constitution, shall not be accepted nor shall the Minister named therein be placed on the clergy list of this Church until such a Minister shall have submitted himself to, and satisfactorily passed, a thorough examination by a physician appointed by the Bishop. This examination shall cover the man's mental and nervous, as well as his physical condition. The form of medical report prepared by the Standing Joint Commission on Education for Holy Orders shall be used for this purpose.

Section 35.2
If such Minister be a Deacon, he shall not be ordered Priest until he shall have resided in the United States at least one year.

CANON 36 - Of the Ordination, Consecration, and Reception of Bishops.

Section 36.1

(a) Whenever the Church in any Diocese shall desire the ordination and consecration of a Bishop‑elect, if the election shall have taken place within three months before a meeting of the General Synod, and said election shall have been held with the consent of the Primate and the House of Bishops of this said Church, the Standing Committee of the said Diocese shall, by their President, or by some person or persons specially appointed, forward to the secretaries of the Houses of Clergy and Laity evidence of the election of the Bishop‑elect by the Synod of the Diocese, together with evidence of his having been duly ordered Deacon and Priest, and also a testimonial signed by a constitutional majority of such Synod, in the following words, viz:

We, whose names are hereunder written, fully sensible how important it is that the Sacred Order and Office of a Bishop should not be unworthily conferred, and firmly persuaded that it is our duty to bear testimony on this solemn occasion without partiality or affection, do, in the presence of Almighty God, testify that the Reverend A.B. is not, so far as we are informed, justly liable to evil report, either for error in religion or for viciousness of life; and that we know of no impediment on account of which he ought not to be ordained and consecrated to that Holy Office. We do, moreover, jointly and severally declare that we believe him to be of such sufficiency in good learning, of such soundness in the Faith, and of such virtuous and pure manners and godly conversation, that he is apt and meet to exercise the Office of a Bishop to the honor of God and the edifying of His Church, and to be a wholesome example to the flock of Christ.

(Signed)

The Secretary of such Synod shall certify upon this testimonial that it has been signed by a constitutional majority thereof. There shall also be forwarded with the testimonial and other documents a certificate from two medical doctors, who shall be chosen by the Primate, that they have thoroughly examined the Bishop‑elect and have not discovered in his physical, mental, or nervous condition any reason why it would not be wise for him to undertake the work for which he has been chosen.

The Secretaries of the Houses of Clergy and Laity shall lay the said testimonials before the House, and if the House shall consent to the consecration of the Bishop‑elect, notice of said consent, certified by the President and Secretary of the said Houses, shall be sent to the House of Bishops, together with the testimonials aforesaid.

(b) If the House of Bishops consent to the consecration, the Primate shall, without delay, notify such consent to the Standing Committee of the Diocese electing and to the Bishop‑elect; and upon notice of the acceptance by the Bishop‑elect of his election, the Primate shall take order for the consecration of the said Bishop‑elect by himself and two other Bishops of this Church, or by any three Bishops of this Church to whom he may communicate the testimonials.