Glossary of Terms
Augustine of Hippo
(354-Aug. 28, 430). Bishop and theologian, widely regarded as the greatest of the Latin Fathers and one of the major theologians in the history of Christianity. He was born in […]
Aumbry
A cupboard or secure receptacle in the side wall of the sanctuary or sacristy. Aumbries traditionally have been used to keep sacred vessels, books, reliquaries, and oils for anointing. Aumbries […]
Auricular Confession
Verbalized confession of sin by a penitent to another Christian. Absolution may only be pronounced by a bishop or priest. The BCP provides two forms for the Reconciliation of a […]
Authority, Sources of (in Anglicanism)
The threefold sources of authority in Anglicanism are scripture, tradition, and reason. These three sources uphold and critique each other in a dynamic way. Scripture is the normative source for […]
Autocephalic Churches
“Autocephalic” denotes independence or autonomy. Literally, it is “self-headed.” The autocephalic churches are understood to be the fourteen autocephalic churches of the Byzantine or Eastern Rite which are not in […]
AVE
1) Bulletin of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City. It was first published in Jan. 1932. 2) Newsletter of the Society of Mary.
Ave Maria
See Annunciation, The.
Ayres, Anne
(Jan. 3, 1816-Feb. 9, 1896). The first American nun in the Anglican tradition. She was born in London and came to the United States when she was twenty years old. […]
B.D.
Bachelor of Divinity. The degree presupposes a first bachelor's degree and was designed to prepare persons for ministry in the church and synagogue. It has been supplanted by the M.Div. […]
Baby Bishop
An informal term that refers to a newly ordained bishop. It reflects the assumption that a period of time will be required for the newly ordained bishop to gain experience […]
Bach, Johann Sebastian
(Mar. 21, 1685-July 28, 1750). Dominant figure in the history of church music whose output embraces practically every musical genre of his time except opera. His reputation during his lifetime […]
Baldachino (Baldaquin)
A canopy used to cover an altar. It may be made of wood, stone, metal, or fabric. The term is also applied to the canopy over a bishop's throne, a […]
Baldwin, Mary Briscoe
(May 20, 1811-June 1877). Missionary to Greece and Syria. She was born at Belle Grove, Frederick County, Virginia. When she was twenty-four, Baldwin went to Athens, Greece, to teach at […]
Baltimore Declaration
A manifesto issued on May 26, 1991, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, by six Episcopal priests in the Diocese of Maryland. It was patterned after the 1934 Barmen Declaration […]
Banner of the Church
This journal first appeared on Sept. 3, 1831. It was published in Boston, and it represented high church views. Its motto was “In the Name of Our God We will […]
Banner of the Cross, The
This weekly publication continued the Protestant Episcopalian and had the Latin motto, Pro Deo, Pro Ecclesia, Pro Hominum Salute, and the English slogan, “Gospel Truth, and Primitive Ecclesiastical Order.” It […]
Banns of Marriage
Public announcement during a church service of an intended marriage. The Banns are “published” on three occasions to determine if any matrimonial impediments exist. The practice is optional in the […]
Baptism
This is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in baptism. God adopts us, making us […]
Baptism in (of) the Spirit
John the Baptist baptized in water but announced also the coming of a “Strong One” who would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:7-8). John focused primarily on the need […]
Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (BEM)
This is Faith and Order Paper No. 111, published by the World Council of Churches in 1982. It is sometimes referred to as the “Lima Report,” since the 1982 meeting […]
Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.