The Order of Service for the Inauguration of Church Union in South

India, with the Form of Consecrating the First New Bishops and the
Order of Service for the Ordination of Presbyters.

London: United Society for Christian Literature, [1947].

 The Order of Service for the Inauguration of Church Union in South
India, with the Form of Consecrating the First New Bishops and the
Order of Service for the Ordination of Presbyters.

The Bishop presiding (the Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob) shall be assisted by two presbyters
(the Rev. Dr. C. R. Wierenga, of the South India United Church, and the Rev. Paul
Ramaseshan, of the Methodist Church).

The Bishop presiding shall begin with the call to worship, announce the opening
hymn, and say the prayer of invocation.

CALL TO WORSHIP.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

HYMN. “O God, our help in ages past.” (Tune, “St. Anne.”)

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, Which was and Which is and
Which is to come. Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and
the honour and the power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will
they were, and were created.

Blessed be Thou, O God, Who through Thine only begotten Son hast raised us from
the depths into the heavenly places, hast given us life out of death, hast graciously
brought us out of bondage into freedom, hast scattered the darkness of sin, and hast
given us the light of the knowledge of Thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Glory to Thee, O Christ, our ascended and ever-present Lord, through Whom we
have access to the Father. Glory to Thee, Who hast reconciled us all in one Body
unto God through Thy cross, so that we are no more strangers and sojourners, but
fellow-citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Glory to Thee, O Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, our Comforter and Advocate, Who
didst descend upon the disciples at Pentecost as a mighty rushing wind and cloven
tongues of fire, Who bearest witness with our spirit that we are children of God and
joint heirs with Christ.

Now unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, unto Him Who maketh all things new,
unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
be blessing and honour and glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

[2] SCRIPTURE READING. A layman (Mr. C. J. Lucas, of the South India United
Church) shall read the seventeenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, in the Revised
Version. Then the senior of the two officiating presbyters (the Rev. Dr. C. R.
Wierenga) shall lead the whole congregation in a prayer of confession. (“Senior”
refers to seniority in respect of date of ordination.)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION.

Minister. Almighty God, Spirit of purity and grace, Whose salvation is never far
from the contrite heart, hear our confession of sin and have mercy upon us. Have
mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; according to the multitude
of Thy tender mercies blot out our transgressions. Create in us a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.
People. Forgive us and bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

Minister. We acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against Thee in thought,
word, and deed; that we have not loved Thee with all our heart; and that we have not
loved our neighbour as ourselves.
People. Forgive us and bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

Minister. O Lord Jesus Christ, we confess with shame that we have refused to share
the burden of Thy cross; that we have sought comfort and security, and have denied
Thee rather than face the scorn of men.
People. Forgive us and bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

Minister. We acknowledge, O Lord, that we have proved unworthy of Thy mercies,

and confess how little we have done to hand on, in freedom and fulness, the faith
which was brought to us through many perils and purchased with such pain.
People. Forgive us and bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

Minister. We acknowledge, O Lord, our share in the sin and shame of divisions in
Thy holy Church; we confess our prejudice and our pride, our lack of sympathy and
understanding; and the feebleness of our efforts to secure all the riches of our
inheritance in the saints.
People. Forgive us and bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

Minister. Lord, have mercy upon us.

People. Christ, have mercy upon us.
All. Lord, have mercy upon us.

Then shall follow a short period of silence.

Minister. Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who are burdened with
the consciousness of our guilt may by Thy merciful pardon be absolved, that being
cleansed from all stain of sin we may be clothed in Thy righteousness, and worthily
rejoice in the joy of Thy saints: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A representative of each of the uniting Churches shall read the Resolution of the
governing body of his Church accepting the Scheme of Union, and shall place on the
communion table a signed copy of the Basis of Union and Constitution of the Church
of South India, and the signed statement of the bishops and ministers and the
deacons or probationers of his Church declaring their assent to the Basis of Union
and acceptance of the Constitution of the Church of South India.

For the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon: the Rt. Rev. A. B. Elliott.

For the South India United Church: the Rev. J. A. Jacob.

For the Methodist Church: the Rev. G. Kell.

All present shall then say the following prayer, led by the junior of the two
officiating presbyters (the Rev. Paul Ramaseshan).

PRAYER. Almighty and everlasting God, who alone art the author of unity, peace
and concord, we thank Thee for the Churches in this our land and for Thy grace in
choosing us to be members in Thy Church. We bless Thee for our fellowship, and
for our rich inheritance. We praise Thee for Thy messengers from other lands who
brought the Gospel of Thy Kingdom to this land, and for those who have faithfully
proclaimed it to succeeding generations, and for all who have prayed and labored for
the union of Churches, especially in South India. Thou hast heard the prayers of Thy
people and blessed the labours of Thy servants, and hast brought us to this day for
the glory of Thy Name. In obedience to Thy will and led by Thy Spirit, as we accept
one another as fellow members and fellow ministers, do Thou strengthen the bonds
between us and united us and make us one body, Thyself, O Christ, being its Head.
Make us all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace,
of faith and [3/4] charity. Grant that this Church may ever be zealous in
commending Thy glorious Gospel to the millions in this land, that India may find in
Thee the goal of all her seeking and the fulfilment of her noblest aspirations. Hasten
the time, O God, when throughout the world there shall be one flock, one Shepherd,
and in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord. Amen.

The Bishop presiding shall make this solemn Declaration, all standing.

Dearly beloved brethren, in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the
Church, Who on the night of His Passion prayed that His disciples might be one; and
by authority of the governing bodies of the uniting Churches, whose resolutions have
been read in your hearing and laid in prayer before Almighty God; I do hereby
declare that these three Churches, namely:

the Madras, Travancore and Cochin, Tinnevelly, and Dornakal Dioceses of the
Church of India, Burma and Ceylon;
the Madras, Madura, Malabar, Jaffna, Kannada, Telugu and Travancore Church
Councils of the South India United Church; and
the Methodist Church in South India, comprising the Madras, Trichinopoly,
Hyderabad and Mysore Districts;

are become one CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA, and that those bishops, presbyters,
deacons and probationers who have assented to the Basis of Union and accepted the
Constitution of the Church of South India, whose names are laid upon this holy
table, are bishops, presbyters and deacons of this Church: in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE TE DEUM shall then be sung, to a well-known chant.

COMMISSIONING OF EXISTING BISHOPS.

The congregation shall remain standing. The Bishop presiding shall say:

Dearly beloved brethren, having by God’s mercy been permitted to consummate the
union of our several Churches into the one Church of South India, we shall now
proceed, in humble dependence upon His continued favour, to give public
commission and authority of this united Church to all those who by this act of Union
are become bishops and presbyters therein.

Having said this, he shall move outside the Communion rails. The two
commissioning presbyters shall move inside. The Bishop presiding and the other
bishops already consecrated standing in front of them, the senior of the two
presbyters (the Rev. Dr. C. R. Wierenga) shall put these questions to the bishops
severally.

[5] Do you wholeheartedly assent to the Basis of Union as set forth in the Scheme?
Answer. I do.

Do you accept the Constitution of the Church of South India and promise to execute
the office of a bishop in that Church in accordance with that Constitution?
Answer. I do, God being my Helper.

The bishops shall now kneel at the rails, and the presbyter representing the General
Assembly of the South India United Church, standing inside the rails, shall say:

By authority of the General Assembly of the South India United Church, I commit to
you who have already been consecrated bishops and who have accepted the call of
God to the office of bishop in the Church of South India authority to exercise that
office in all the congregations of all Church Councils of the South India United
Church which have accepted the Scheme of Union: in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the presbyter representing the South India Provincial Synod of the Methodist
Church, shall say:

By authority of the Provincial Synod of the Methodist Church in South India, I

commit to you who have already been consecrated bishops and who have accepted
the call of God to the office of bishop in the Church of South India, authority to
exercise that office in all the congregations which have hitherto been parts of the
South India Province of the Methodist Church: in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The junior officiating presbyter (the Rev. Paul Ramaseshan) shall say this prayer:

PRAYER.

Let us pray.

O God, the Pastor and Ruler of Thy faithful people, look down in mercy, we beseech
Thee, on these Thy servants whom Thou hast blessed and guided hitherto, and
evermore guide, sanctify and uphold them. May the power of Thy divine Spirit grow
mightily in them and enable them to fulfill the new tasks which now await them.
Give them wisdom and love, courage and diligence, that they may be faithful and
wise stewards of Thy manifold grace and win many souls to Thee: through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

[6] The senior officiating presbyter (the Rev. Dr. C. R. Wierenga) shall announce the
hymn:

HYMN. “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.” (Tune, “Miles Lane.”)

During this, the Bishop presiding shall resume his place and the two presbyters shall
withdraw and take their place with the presbyters of the Churches to which they
previously belonged.

COMMISSIONING OF PRESBYTERS.

The congregations shall remain standing.

All the ministers from the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon shall then standing in
their places and present themselves before the Bishop presiding, who shall put the
following questions to them collectively; they shall answer in unison.

Bishop. Do you assent to the Basis of Union as set forth in the Scheme?
The Presbyters. I do.

Bishop. Do you accept the Constitution of the Church of South India, and promise to
exercise the ministry of a presbyter in that Church in accordance with that
Constitution?
The Presbyters. I do, God being my Helper.

In like manner all the ministers from the South India United Church shall present
themselves and be questioned, and shall answer.

In like manner all the ministers from the Methodist Church shall present themselves
and be questioned, and shall answer.

All the presbyters shall then kneel and shall be all together commissioned by the
Bishop presiding, in the following words:

By authority of the Church of South India, I commit to you who have already been
ordained to the ministry of the Word and Sacraments, and who have now accepted
the call of God to minister as presbyters in the Church of South India, authority to
exercise that ministry in all congregations of this Church to which you shall be duly
called or appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the Church: in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Bishop presiding shall say this prayer and then announce the following hymn:

PRAYER. Let us pray.

O God our Father, Who hast called us with Thy great and precious calling, in Thy
mercy cleanse us, by Thy Spirit guide us, by Thy love enlarge our hearts that we
whom Thou hast united as brethren and given now a common task, may together be
[6/7] ambassadors on behalf of Christ and ministers of the word of reconciliation, for
the bringing of the nations into Thy Kingdom and for the glory of Thy Holy Name.
Amen.

HYMN. “O Thou Who camest from above.” (Tune, “Melcombe.”)

ASCRIPTION OF PRAISE.

The Bishop presiding. Glory be to the Father, Who has made us one.
People. Glory be to Thee, O God.
Bishop. Glory be to the Son, our Common Lord.
People. Glory be to Thee, O God.
Bishop. Glory be to the Holy Spirit, Who unites us by His power.
People. Glory be to Thee, O God.

THE LORD’S PRAYER, said together by all.

BENEDICTION, said together by all.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the
Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.

THE FORM OF CONSECRATING THE FIRST NEW BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH

OF SOUTH INDIA.

The Bishop presiding (the Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob) shall be assisted by two other
bishops of the Church of India, Burma, and Ceylon (the Rt. Rev. A. M. Hollis and the
Rt. Rev. G. T. Selwyn), by three presbyters of the South India United Church (the
Rev. Meshach Peter, the Rev. A. Streckeisen and the Rev. C. R. Wierenga), and by
three presbyters of the Methodist Church (the Rev. W. Person, the Rev. John Bastian
and the Rev. D. Thambusami.)

The Bishop presiding shall announce the hymns. After the opening hymn has been
sung, he shall begin the Communion Service by saying the Lord’s Prayer.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN, “Holy, Holy, Holy. (Tune, “Nicaea.”)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (without the Doxology).

PRAYER OF PREPARATION. Almighty God, unto Whom all hearts . . .

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (Abbreviated form, as in 1928 Book of Common

Prayer.)

COLLECTS, said by the Bishop presiding.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, Why by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy holy apostles many
excellent gifts and didst charge them to feed Thy flock; give grace, we beseech Thee,
to all bishops, the pastors of Thy Church, that they may diligently preach Thy Word,
and duly administer the godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they
may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace,
we give Thee humble thanks for Thy goodness to us Thy servants in uniting us this
day in one Church. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may
hinder us from godly union and concord, that, as there is but one Body and one
Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in
one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and
one mouth glorify Thee: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, Who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of
the earth, and didst send Thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that
are afar off and [8/9] to them that are nigh, grant that all the peoples of the world
may feel after Thee and find Thee; and hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of Thy
promise, to pour out Thy Spirit upon all flesh: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE EPISTLE. Acts xx. 17-35 (R.V.), read by a presbyter of the South India United
Church, the Rev. Paulraj Thomas.

HYMN. “O Word of God incarnate.” (Tune, “Aurelia.”)

THE GOSPEL. The congregation shall remain standing. St. John xxi. 15-17 (R.V.),
read by a presbyter of the Methodist Church, the Rev. T. R. Foulger.

THE NICENE CREED. As in 1928 Book of Common Prayer, said by all, standing.

SERMON, by the Rev. J. S. M. Hooper.

The sermon ended, the Bishop presiding shall be seated in his chair near the
communion table. Each Bishop-elect shall be presented to the Bishop presiding by
two accredited presbyters of the Church to which he has previously belonged, saying
together:

Right Reverend Father in God, we present unto you this godly and well-learned
person to be ordained and consecrated bishop.

The Bishops-elect shall be presented by the following presbyters:

The Rev. A. H. Legg, to be Bishop in South Travancore, by the Rev. A. J.

Arangadan and the Rev. J. A. Jacob.

The Ven. T. G. Stuart Smith, to be Bishop in Cochin and Malabar, by the Ven. P. C.
Kora and the Rev. D. R. Dazley.

The Rev. J. E. L. Newbigin, to be Bishop Madura and Ramnad, by the Rev. G. P.

James and the Rev. Ponnurangam.

The Rev. S. Kulandrann, to be Bishop in Jaffna, by the Rev. B. C. D. Mather and the
Rev. Thomas David.

The Rev. E. B. Thorp, to be Bishop in Trichinopoly and Tanjor, by the Rev. G. S.

William and the Rev. A. S. Johnson.
The Rev. P. Gurushanta, to be Bishop in Mysore, by the Rev. M. Mehta and the Rev.
F. W. Spencer.

The Rev. F. Whittaker, to be Bishop in Medak, by the Rev. M. Samuel and the Rev.
C. G. Early.

Canon Bunyan Joseph, to be Bishop in Anantapur and Kurnool, by the Ven. F. F.

Gledstone and Canon T. Sitther.

The Rev. H. Sumitra, to be Bishop in Cuddapah, by the Rev. Arthur John and the
Rev. B. Samuel.

[10] The Bishop presiding shall demand the instrument of election and appointment
of each Bishop by the central body. This shall be presented by one of the four
representatives on that body of the Church to which he previously belonged; for the
Church of India, Burma and Celyon, by Dewan Bahadur, K. Matthan; for the South
India United Church, by Mr. Devaraj G. Paul; and for the Methodist Church, by Mr.
P. K. Monsingh.

Having received these instruments, the Bishop presiding shall require of each
Bishop-elect the following assent to the Basis of Union and Constitution of the
Church of South India:

I, …………, chosen Bishop of the Church of South India in the Diocese …………,
do give my assent to the Basis of Union and accept the Constitution of the Church;
and do promise conformity and obedience to the principles and rules contained
therein. So help me God, through Jesus Christ.

The Bishops-elect having severally put their signatures to the Declaration, the
Bishop presiding shall move the congregation to pray, saying unto them:

Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of St. Luke that our Saviour Christ continued the
whole night in prayer before He chose and sent forth His twelve apostles. It is
written also that the apostles prayed before Matthias was chosen to be of the number
of the twelve. Let us therefore, following the example of our Saviour Christ and His
apostles, again give ourselves to prayer to Almighty God, before we admit and send
forth these persons to the work whereunto, we trust, the Holy Spirit hath called them.

Then shall be said this Litany, led by the Ven. J. White:

Minister. In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us
pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.
Minister. For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of God’s holy Churches,
and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. For our bishops and all other ministers, for their succour, maintenance,
peace, health and salvation, and for the work of their hands, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

[11] Minister. For the servants of God now to be consecrated bishops and for their
salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. That our God Who loveth mankind will grant them for exercise the
episcopal office without stain or blame, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. For the rulers of our country and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. For this city, and every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell
therein, let us pray to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. That He will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath and necessity, let us pray
to the Lord.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by Thy
grace.
People. Lord, have mercy.

Minister. Let us pray.

Almighty God, Giver of all good things, Who by Thy Holy Spirit hast appointed
ministers in thy Church, mercifully behold these Thy servants, now called to the
work and ministry of bishop; and so replenish them with the truth of Thy doctrine,
and adorn them with innocency of life, that, both by word and deed, they may
faithfully serve Thee in this office, to the glory of Thy name, and the edifying and
well-governing of Thy Church: through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

[12] Then, the people being seated, the Bishop presiding shall sit in his chair and
shall say to those who are to be consecrated:

Brethren, forasmuch as the Holy Scripture commands that we should not be hasty in
laying on hands, and admitting any person to government in the Church of Christ,
which He hath purchased with no less price than His own blood; before we admit
you to this administration, we will examine you in certain articles to the end that the
congregation present may have a trial and bear witness, how you are minded to
behave yourselves in the Church of God.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this ministration, according to
the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this Church?

Each Bishop-elect shall answer separately for himself:

Answer: I am so persuaded.

Bishop. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God Incarnate and the Redeemer of the
world? And in accordance with the revelation of God which He made, do you
worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Answer. I do so believe and worship.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to
salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined to do all in your
power for the edification of the ministers and congregations over whom you shall
have oversight, by instructing them out of the same Scriptures concerning the truths
of Christian faith?
Answer. I am so persuaded and determined, by God’s grace.

Bishop. Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the Holy Scriptures and call
upon God by prayer for the true understanding of the same, so that you may be able
by them to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine and to withstand and convince
the gainsayers?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Are you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the
Church all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary [12/13] to God’s Word, and both
privately and open to call upon and encourage others to do the same?
Answer. I am ready, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. Will you deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly,
righteously and godly in this present world, that you may show yourself in all things
an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith and in
purity, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. As a chief shepherd under Christ of His flock committed to your charge, will
you maintain and set forward as much as shall lie in you, quietness, love and peace
among all men, and will you do all that you can to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace, endeavouring to foster the true spiritual unity of all your people in
the one Body of Christ?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you be faithful in ordained, appointing and laying hands upon others?
Answer. I will so be, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you do all in your power to foster and promote the preaching of the
Gospel to all the people, both in your own diocese and beyond its borders? And will
you continually recall both ministers and people under you to their duty of
witnessing to others in accordance with the command of our Saviour?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. Will you diligently acquaint yourself with the various forms and methods of
worship used in your diocese, and so advise the ministers and congregations
committed to your charge, that this Church may offer such worship as will be worthy
of God’s majesty and love, and a witness to those around them?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

[14] Bishop. Will you faithfully administer discipline in accordance with God’s
Word and the order of this Church, endeavouring to exercise the authority
committed to you both for the maintenance of Christian standards of living and for
the restoration of those who have gone astray?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.

Bishop. Will you show yourself gentle and be merciful for Christ’s sake to the poor
and needy?
Answer. I will so show myself, by God’s help.

The Bishop-elect shall then kneel, the congregation standing; and the Bishop
presiding shall stand and say:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Who hath given you a good will to do all these
things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that, He
accomplishing in you the good work which He hath begun, you may be found
perfect and blameless at the latter day: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

After this, the congregation shall be desired, secretly in their prayers, to make their
humble supplications to God in behalf of those to be consecrated bishops; for which
prayers there shall be silence kept for a space. All shall kneel in silence, the
Bishops-elect kneeling where they stood for examination.

Then shall be sung the “Veni Creator Spiritus,” all still kneeling.

That ended, the Bishop presiding shall say:

Let us pray.
Bishop. Lift up your hearts.
People. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People. It is meet and right so to do.

Bishop. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and
in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting
God, Who of Thine infinite goodness hast given Thy only and dearly beloved Son
Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer and the Author of everlasting life; Who, after that
He had made perfect our redemption by His death, and [14/15] was ascended into
heaven, poured down His gifts abundantly upon men, making some apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to the edifying and making
perfect of His Church; grant, we beseech Thee, to these Thy servants, such grace that
they may evermore be ready to spread abroad Thy Gospel, the glad tidings of
reconciliation with Thee; to offer unto Thee sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving;
and to use the authority given them, not to destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt,
but to help; so that as wise and faithful servants, giving to Thy family their portion in
due season, they mat last be received into everlasting joy: through the same Jesus
Christ our Lord, Who, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God,
world without end. Amen.

Then the Bishop presiding, the two other Bishops, and the three Presbyters from
each of the other two uniting Churches, shall lay their hands upon the head of each
Bishop-elect, kneeling before them, and the Bishop presiding shall say:

Receive the Holy Spirit for the office and work of a Bishop in the Church of God,
now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands; in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then the Bishop presiding shall deliver to each a copy of the Bible, saying:

Remember that thou stir up the gift of God, which is given thee by the imposition of
our hands; for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and
soberness. Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and teaching. Think upon the things
contained in this Book. Give thyself wholly to them, that the increase coming
thereby may be manifest unto all men; for by so doing thou shalt both save thyself
and them that hear thee. Amen.

Then the Bishop presiding shall give into the hands of each newly-consecrated
Bishop the pastoral staff, saying:

Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf; feed them, devour them not. Hold up
the weak, help the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the outcasts, seek the lost.
Be so merciful, that you be not too remiss; so minister discipline, that you forget not
mercy; that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you may receive the never-fading
crown of glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offertory Sentences.

HYMN. “And now, O Father, mindful of the love.” (Tune, “Unde et memores.”)

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH.

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church.

[16] Almighty and everliving God, Who by Thy holy apostle hast taught us to make
prayers and supplications and to give thanks for all men, we humbly beseech Thee
most mercifully to accept our alms and oblations, and to receive these our prayers,
which we offer unto Thy Divine Majesty; beseeching Thee to inspire continually the
universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all they
that do confess Thy holy name may agree in the truth of Thy holy word, and live in
unity and godly love.

We beseech Thee also to lead all nations in the way of righteousness and peace; and
so to direct all kings and rulers, that under them Thy people may be godly and
quietly governed. And grant unto Thy servant George our King, and to all that are
put in authority under him, that they may truly and impartially minister justice, to the
punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of Thy true religion and
virtue.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and ministers, especially to Thy
servants the ministers of this Church of South India, that they may both by their life
and doctrine set forth Thy true and living Word and rightly and duly administer Thy
holy Sacraments.

Guide and prosper, we pray Thee, those who labour for the spread of Thy Gospel
among the nations, and enlighten with Thy spirit all places of education and
learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of Thy truth.

To all Thy people give Thy heavenly grace, and specially to this congregation here
present, that with meek heart and due reverence that may hear and receive Thy holy
Word, truly serving Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And
we most humbly beseech Thee of Thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all
them who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other
adversity.

We also bless Thy holy name for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith and
fear; and here with give Thee most high praise and hearty thanks for all Thy saints,
who have been the chosen vessels of Thy grace, and lights of the world in their
several generations; and we pray that, rejoicing in their fellowship and following
their good examples, we may be partakers with them of Thy heavenly Kingdom.

Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without
end. Amen.

[17] The Invitation.

The Confession.
The Absolution.
The Comfortable Words.
The Sursum Corda.
It is very meet . . .
The Prayer of Humble Access.
The Prayer of Consecration.
The Administration of the Elements.
The Lord’s Prayer, with the Doxology.
The Prayer of Oblation.
The Thanksgiving.
The Gloria in Excelsis.
The Collects:

Most merciful Father, send down, we beseech Thee, upon these, Thy servants, Thy
heavenly blessing; and so endue them with Thy Holy Spirit, that they, preaching the
Word, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke, with all patience and
doctrine; but also may be, to such as believe, a wholesome example in word, in
conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that, faithfully fulfilling their
course, at the latter day they may receive the crown of righteousness, laid up by the
Lord Jesus, the righteous Judge, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same
Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

O Lord, Who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth,
send Thy Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the
very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted
dead before Thee; grant this for Thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favior, and further
us with Thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in
Thee, we may glorify Thy holy name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your
hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our
Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.
RECESSIONAL HYMN. “Thy hand, O God, has guided.” (Tune, “Crüger.”)

ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE ORDINATION OF PRESBYTERS.

The following Order of Service for the Ordination of Presbyters is authorised by the
Joint Committee on Church Union for use in all dioceses of the Church of South
India until such time as the Synod shall prescribe a Form in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution (Chapter V, Rule 5; Scheme of Union, page 54).
Variations may be introduced, chiefly by way of addition, but unfailing use shall be
made of Sections 4 to 10 of the Order of Service printed below.

A sermon shall be preached, preceded by prayer, after Section 1 or 3 or 11. The

sermon shall relate to the mutual duties and privileges of ministers and
congregations in the Church of Christ.

The Committee recognises that normally the service will be conducted in the local
language. It is important that accurate translations should be duly authorised and
used.

1. PROCESSIONAL HYMN or LYRIC.

2. PRAYER.

The Bishop shall say:

Let us pray.

O Lord our God, Who dost shed the abundance of Thy Holy Spirit on those who are
set apart, by Thy inscrutable power, to be ministers of Thy Word and Sacraments,
keep Thy servants, whom Thou hast called to this holy ministry, that they may hold
the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, with all virtue. Vouchsafe them the
grace given to thy first apostles with holy boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Thy
Kingdom, to administer the word of Thy truth, and to offer gifts and spiritual
sacrifices unto Thee. May Thy love and life-giving Spirit fill them with all faith and
love, all power and sanctification. For Thou art our God, and to Thee we render
glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and for ever. Amen.

3. PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES (by a Presbyter duly appointed for the

purpose of the Diocesan Council).

In this place may be read the authorisation of the Diocesan Council for the
ordination of the candidates.
The Presbyter. Reverend Father in God, we present unto you these persons to be
admitted to the order of Presbyters.

Here shall follow the names in order.

The Bishop. Take heed that the persons whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet,
for their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly, to the
honour of God, and to the edifying of His Church.
[19] The Presbyter. We have enquired of them, and also examined them, and believe
them to be so.

The Bishop, to the people. Beloved, these are they whom we purpose, God willing,
to receive this day unto the holy office of this ministry; for after due examination we
find not the contrary, but that they be lawfully called to this ministry, and find they
be persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you who knoweth of any
impediment in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this
ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the impediment is.

There being no impediment, the Bishop shall proceed, saying:

We commend to the prayers of this congregation these that have been found meet to
be ordained Presbyters. It is written in the Gospel of St. Luke that our Saviour Christ
continued the whole night in prayer before He chose and sent forth His twelve
apostles. It is written also in the Acts of the Apostles that the disciples who were at
Antioch did fast and pray before they laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent
them forth. Let us, therefore, following the example of our Saviour Christ and His
apostles, give ourselves to prayer, before we admit and send forth these persons
presented unto us to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Spirit hath called them.

Let us pray.

Silent prayer: followed by a short litany, as in the form of Consecrating the New
Bishops, except that in the fifth suffrage “to be ordained presbyters” shall be
substituted for “to be consecrated bishops,” and in the sixth suffrage “their
ministry” shall be substituted for “the Episcopal office.”

4. COLLECT.

Almighty God, Giver of all good things, Who by Thy Holy Spirit hast appointed
divers orders of ministers in the Church: mercifully behold these Thy servants now
called to the office of Presbyter; and so replenish them with the truth of Thy
doctrine, adorn them with innocency of life, and fill them with the power of Thy
Spirit, that, both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve Thee in this
office, to the glory of Thy Name and the edification of Thy Church; through the
merits of our Saviour Jesus, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit,
world without end. Amen.

5. THE EPISTLE. Ephesians iv. 7, 8, 11-13. (R.V.)

6. THE GOSPEL. St. John xx. 19-23. (R.V.)

[20] 7. THE BISHOP’S CHARGE.

You have heard, brethren, of what dignity, and of what great importance this office
is, whereunto ye are called. You are chosen and elect to be evangelists of the grace
of God in Jesus Christ, sent forth to make disciples of all the nations; to teach and to
premonish, to feed and provide for the household of God; to be faithful to the trust
committed to you to guard and adorn the doctrine of Christ; to offer sacrifices of
praise and thanksgiving; to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for
the children of God whoa re in the midst of the world, that they may be saved
through Christ for ever. Hold always therefore in your remembrance how great a
treasure is committed to your charge. The Church and congregation whom you must
serve are the sheep of Christ, for whom He laid down His life. And if the same
Church, or any member thereof, take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your
negligence, ye know the greatness of the fault.

Wherefore consider with yourselves the end of your ministry; and see that you never
cease your labour, your prayer and diligence, until you have done all that lieth in
you, according to your charge unto that true conversion of heart and life through
personal trust in Christ alone, boldly declaring to them that are penitent and believe
His Gospel, the remission of their sins, further striving to bring them to that
knowledge of God and perfectness of love in Christ, whereby you may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus. Howbeit, you cannot have a mind and will thereto
yourselves, for that will and ability is given of God alone; therefore you ought, and
have need, to pray earnestly for His Holy Spirit.

We have good hope that you have well weighed and pondered these things with
yourselves long before this time, and that you have clearly determined by God’s
grace, to give yourselves wholly to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to call
you; so that, as much as lieth in you, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one
thing, and draw all your cares and studies this way; and that you will continually
pray to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Saviour, Jesus Christ, for the
heavenly assistance of the Holy Spirit, to the end that you sanctify the lives of you
and yours, fashioning them after the rule and teaching of Christ, so that you may be
wholesome and godly examples for the people to follow, and that, by daily reaching
and weighing of the Scriptures, you may wax riper and stronger in the ministry of
the Word.
And now, that this present congregation of Christ here assembled may also
understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the
more move you to your duties, you shall answer plainly to the questions which we,
in the name of God and of His Church, shall ask of you touching the same.

[21] 8. EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES.

Bishop. Do you trust in your heart that you be truly called, according to the will of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this Church of South India, to the office and
ministration of Presbyter?
Answer. I do so trust.

Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine
necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you
determined, out of the said Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your
charge; and to teach nothing as required of necessity for eternal salvation, but that
which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scriptures?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God’s grace.

Bishop. Will you be ready, with all faithful diligence, to drive away all erroneous
and strange doctrines contrary to God’s word; and to use both public and private
admonitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole, as need shall
require, and occasion shall be given?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence always to minister the Doctrine
and Sacraments, and the Discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded?
Answer. I will do so, by the help of the Lord.

Bishop. As you believe you are called to the ministry of Christ in this Church of
South India, I now as you if you believe its doctrines and are determined to preach
the same?
Answer. I do so believe, and I will so preach, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. Will you accept its discipline, and submit yourselves as sons in the Gospel to
those whom this Church shall appoint to have the rule over you?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my Helper.

[22] Bishop. Will you be diligent in prayers and in reading the Holy Scriptures and
in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same?
Answer. I will endeavour so to be, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, and your
families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them,
as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will apply myself thereto, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. As you are called to be Ministers in the Church of God, and seeing that to
each of its members the ministration of the Spirit is given to profit withal, will you
do all that in you lies to build up the Body of Christ, to persuade and encourage
every member to exercise the gift of grace that is in him, and to present every man
before God perfect in Christ Jesus?
Answer. I will endeavour so to be, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop. As you are called to be ambassadors on behalf of Christ, beseeching men to

be reconciled to God, as though God were intreating by you, will you continually stir
up the gift of God that is in you, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to testify the Gospel
of the grace of God to all men?
Answer. I will, the Lord being my Helper.

Bishop (standing). Almighty God, Who hath given you this will to do all these
things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that He may
accomplish His work which He hath begun in you: through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Then the congregation shall pray in silence for the candidates, and after a space
shall since or say the “Veni Creator Spiritus,” or some other hymn or lyric invoking
the Holy Spirit (all kneeling).

9. ORDINATION PRAYER (all still kneeling).

Bishop. Lift up your hearts.

People. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People. It is meet and right so to do.

Bishop. It is very meet, right (as in the Book of Common Prayer, 1928, with the
insertion of the words “our great High Priest” between “Jesus Christ” and “to be our
Redeemer,” so that it will read “Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to be our
Redeemer;” and with “teachers” instead of “doctors.”)

10. ACT OF ORDINATION.

Then shall the Bishop and the Presbyters present lay their hands upon the head of
each candidate, humbly kneeling, and the Bishop shall say:

Receive the Holy Spirit for the office and work of a Presbyter in the Church of God,
now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands; and be thou a faithful
dispenser of the Word of God, and of His Holy Sacraments: in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then the Bishop shall deliver to him, still kneeling, the Bible, saying:

Take thou authority to preach the Word of God and to minister the Sacraments in the
congregations whereunto thou shalt be appointed.

Then shall the Bishop give him the Right Hand of Fellowship, and say:

We give thee the Right Hand of Fellowship, and receive thee to take part with us in
this ministry.

11. THE NICENE CREED (as in the Book of Common Prayer, 1928), said by all
standing.

12. HOLY COMMUNION (as in the Form of Consecrating the New Bishops).

13. COLLECTS.

O God, Whose ways are all mercy and truth, continue Thy gracious work, and
bestow by Thy favour what human frailty cannot attain, that they who preach the
Word and attend upon [23/24] the Heavenly Mysteries may be grounded in perfect
faith, and shine forth conspicuous by the purity of their lives: through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour, and further
us with Thy continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in
Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting
life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

14. THE BLESSING.