Thirdly, experience ought to be considered to the point that candidacy should be limited to those with at least five years of full-time ministry, which perhaps might be waived to three years for those holding theological doctorates*. Frankly, this is such a minimal requirement that it probably ought to be doubled. The logic is plain, however. If a man has never been a full-time rector for any length of time how could he be expected to be a full-time bishop?

Fourthly, for the dioceses within TAC, considering the advanced state of TAC's ecumenical relations, it is unwise to multiply unnecessarily the episcopate at this time. For that matter, no jurisdiction has any business adding to the purple load without good reason. Therefore, all should seek for a candidate amongst those men already consecrated bishops.

Fifthly, in order to alleviate any unfortunate parochial or insular development, so far as possible, candidates ought to be sought from outside the diocese doing the seeking, or at the very least from among those who have served previously outside the diocese in question.

Finally, a candidate must be a man of prayer. Some evidence, such as being an oblate or tertiary, would be advisable, as it shows that not only is a candidate acquainted with prayer, but that he is concerned with collegial fellowship with others.

I suspect other people would have additional recommendations to make. I look forward to reading them.

END

*By these terms is meant, of course, only real degrees from legitimate accredited seminaries and universities, as listed with CHEA, AUCC, QAA, etc.

---Fr Richard Sutter, SSM is Rector of St George’s Anglican Church in Columbus, GA, a parish in the Traditional Anglican Communion. www.StGeorgesAnglican.net