All claim of an apostolic succession in the episcopate was dropped. So was the use of the line of the Apostles' Creed concerning Jesus' descent into hell. At times Guelzo's language might be loaded. Possibly we have here some fancy footwork in the realm of ideas. Secession and talk of even more secession plagues the Episcopal Church today.
Individual defections continue apace.
Reeves, for example, who has only recently published a book expressing the hope that the denomination and others might yet be renewed, became a Roman Catholic in 1997. The story told by Butler and Guelzo is a sobering one, revealing the roots of what have seemed to many to be relatively recent troubles. Justus D. Doenecke is professor of history at New College of the University of South Florida. Thoughtful book, art, music, and film reviews help you understand the impact of culture on your life.