Reformed Episcopal Churches

The Reformed Episcopal Church continues to use the 1785 Book of Common Prayer but has added to its worship both the recovery of historic concerns, such as increased frequency of Communion, and the incorporation of contemporary forms, such as the use of praise songs. African-American congregations, which comprise about one-half of the denomination's membership, have incorporated African-American styles of worship as well. Reformed Episcopal worship seeks to embody the evangelical tradition of Anglicanism. It was founded in 1873 by Bishop David Cummins, who wanted to preserve true catholicity around the principles of the ancient and Reformation churches. He wanted to maintain the final authority of Holy Scripture and the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (emphases of the Reformation) in the context of traditional English prayer book worship and episcopal government (the ancient church). He did not wish to diminish either aspect of the Anglican tradition. Bisho…