Charismatic Episcopal Church

[Madaglan]

As a former deacon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC) and a catechumen in the Orthodox Church of America; I can definitely say that the CEC does not have valid sacraments or apostolic succession. Just because a bishop, with apostolic succession, ordains other clergy doesn’t mean he imparts succession to those he ordains. Apostolic succession belongs to the Church and is not for any member of the Church to offer it to anyone without the Church’s approval. Further, when you examine the beliefs and claims of the CEC; you will find that they are just another “Protestant” church trying to embrace the Catholic and Orthodox Faith without giving up their Protestant traditions. On two CEC parish websites I found the statement that they held to the doctrine of Grace as reinforced by the Council of Trent and the Reformers. The Reformers didn’t agree amongst themselves and definitely didn’t agree with the Council of Trent.

There have been several Charismatic Episcopal parishes that have become Orthodox. I attended the parish of one former CEC which had become Western Rite Orthodox under the omiphorion of an Antiochian bishop. I imagine you already know this, but I just thought I’d put it out for others to know.

 

[GKC]

Your theory on the transmission of apostolic succession is not that of the RCC. I understand that you are not speaking from that perspective.

GKC

As a former deacon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC) and a catechumen in the Orthodox Church of America; I can definitely say that the CEC does not have valid sacraments or apostolic succession. Just because a bishop, with apostolic succession, ordains other clergy doesn’t mean he imparts succession to those he ordains. Apostolic succession belongs to the Church and is not for any member of the Church to offer it to anyone without the Church’s approval. Further, when you examine the beliefs and claims of the CEC; you will find that they are just another “Protestant” church trying to embrace the Catholic and Orthodox Faith without giving up their Protestant traditions. On two CEC parish websites I found the statement that they held to the doctrine of Grace as reinforced by the Council of Trent and the Reformers. The Reformers didn’t agree amongst themselves and definitely didn’t agree with the Council of Trent.