A Practical Guide for Anglicans Exploring the REC
Over the last decade I’ve noticed a quiet but steady trend: pastors and parishes across the country are rediscovering the beauty, order, and doctrinal clarity of classical Anglicanism — and many of them eventually find their way to the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC).
I’ve added some notes from an internal document in the REC on how to go from outside to inside the REC.
Some come from evangelical backgrounds and are looking for liturgy.
Some come from liturgical backgrounds and are looking for biblical clarity.
Some are simply looking for a church that has both historic roots and a missionary spine.
Naturally, I get a lot of emails that boil down to the same question:
“If our parish wanted to become Anglican in the Reformed Episcopal Church, how would that actually work?”
Thankfully, there is a clear and well-tested pathway for this — one that the REC has been using for decades. The process is patient, pastoral, and relational. And if you’re coming from a non-Anglican background, it may surprise you how much sense it makes.
Let’s walk through it.
The Goal: Preparing & Nurturing Parishes, Not Absorbing Them
The REC’s vision isn’t to “collect properties” or “acquire brands.” The stated goal is:
“To create a climate which can prepare, nurture and bring into full participation existing parishes… not presently affiliated with the Reformed Episcopal Church.”
That line alone tells you a lot about our Anglican character. We care about formation, about unity, and about parish health — not just about signing paperwork.
The Metaphor: Courtship, Engagement, Marriage
One of my favorite parts of the document is how it compares parish affiliation to marriage. It’s almost quaint, but it’s absolutely true:
“The affiliation of a parish… can be likened to the process leading up to the marriage relationship…”
It breaks down into three stages:
1. Going Steady
Get to know each other, no dating around, fidelity begins.
2. Engagement
The relationship deepens, decisions start being made together.
3. Marriage
Full commitment, shared life, common identity.
And honestly — that’s how ecclesial unity should work.
If your background is non-denominational, you might be thinking, “Wow, that sounds like a lot of process.” But if your background is Anglican, you’re likely thinking, “Well, of course! That’s just good order.”
The Three Levels of Affiliation
Here’s how those metaphors translate into the actual pathway.
Level One: Associate Status
(Think: “going steady”)
This level gives a parish space to explore Anglican theology and REC life without jumping in all at once.
The parish agrees to:
✔ Maintain episcopal fidelity with the REC (the Bishop oversees development)
✔ Adhere to REC doctrinal standards
✔ Begin learning liturgical worship (but exclusive BCP use is not required yet)
And in practical terms:
• Assessment is around 4–5% to the Diocese for oversight
• Parishes may attend councils as observers
• Parishes may identify publicly as “associate” with permission
• The minister doesn’t need to transfer credentials yet
This is perfect for churches that want to “try on” Anglican identity without feeling trapped.
Level Two: Affiliate Status
(Think: “engagement”)
This level involves deeper commitment and visible Anglican identity.
In addition to Level One requirements, Affiliate parishes must:
✔ Use a permitted Book of Common Prayer (1662 or 1928) for Sunday worship
✔ Begin reorganizing governance according to REC canons
✔ Submit a formal application to the Bishop and Standing Committee
Assessments usually rise to 5–7%
Representation now includes:
• One lay delegate with full voting privileges in the Diocesan Council
Most notably:
• The minister must now join the REC and be examined for Diaconate or Presbyterate
The parish must also publicly identify as an REC affiliate.
If Level One was courtship, Level Two is the engagement.
Level Three: Full Membership
(Think: “marriage”)
This is when parish and Diocese are united in full communion.
Full membership requires:
✔ Use of authorized Prayer Books in accordance with Canons
✔ Application and reception by the Bishop & Standing Committee of the Diocese
✔ 10% tithe to the Diocese (not 4–7% anymore)
✔ Full representation according to the Constitution & Canons
✔ Full conformity of parish Constitution & Canons with the REC
At this point, the parish is fully Anglican, fully Reformed Episcopal, and fully integrated into the wider Church.
A Few Practical Notes
The last page of the document includes a sample letter for a parish to officially request reception — including the parish vote and doctrinal declaration.
Also worth noting:
“Non-liturgical Parishes” are encouraged to start at Level 1, while “parishes from an Episcopal background” may begin at Level 2 or 3.
Translation
The REC isn’t trying to force everyone into the same on-ramp. We work with people where they are.
Why This Matters for Anglicans Today
Two big reasons:
1. Anglicanism isn’t just aesthetics — it’s ecclesiology.
To become Anglican is not simply to add kneelers, chant, and a Prayer Book. It is to inhabit a structure, a canon, and a communion.
2. The Reformed Episcopal Church offers a stable, classical Anglican home.
The REC is:
• Prayer Book grounded
• Evangelical & catholic
• Doctrinally clear
• Historically rooted
• Mission-focused
For pastors and parishes navigating the chaos of American church life, this is a gift.
Final Thoughts
If your parish is exploring Anglican identity — and especially the Reformed Episcopal Church — you don’t have to figure it out alone.
There is a pathway.
There is a process.
There is patience.
And most importantly — there is a Bishop and a Diocese ready to walk with you.
If you’re a pastor or lay leader and want to talk through what this could look like for your community, send me a note. I’m always happy to help introduce people to Anglican life and the Reformed Episcopal Church.
Link to Original Document “Procedure for Receiving Existing Parishes“
http://www.stevemacias.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/existingparishes-1.pdf
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