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.