The power of self-criticism

Among the many instructive and edifying passages in the Book of Common Prayer is a section describing “The Consecrating of Bishops.” It is a stirring ritual, solemn, confident, uplifting. Of course, not just anybody is qualified to be a Bishop—entrusted with the care of souls and the care of those who care for souls—and so the candidate engages in a sort of antiphony to witness publicly his fitness for high pastoral office.

Are you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God’s Word; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same?

To which the candidate replies “I am ready, the Lord being my helper.”

And so on.

We thought of this and kindred passa ...

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