Back in 1980, James B. Jordan (Biblical Horizons, Theopolis Institute) had just finished his studies at Westminster Theological Seminary and was working alongside Ray Sutton (now Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church) and Dr. Gary North in Tyler, Texas at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Sutton’s Church left the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and eventually became Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church in 1987.

Based on their departure from the PCA, Jordan was investigating where he might be ordained. Jordan wrote to the founding rector of my parish (St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Los Altos, CA) in a letter dated June 19, 1980 that:

“Both I and the church are interested in the Anglican Churches of America and Associates [ACAA]…”

James B Jordan, 1980

The ACAA was an Anglican Group formed with Bishop Truman Davis of Trinity Church and School in Mesa, AZ and also provided care and oversight for the Chalcedon Foundation, the teaching ministry of the Rev. Dr. Rousas John Rushdoony. Rushdoony himself left the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and maintained his ministerial credentials under this Anglican jurisdiction–where Chalcedon’s location in Vallecito was also recognized as an ACAA church.

Unfortunately, Jordan did not come to join the ACAA. After reading through correspondences, I see that Rev. Milbank never once offered a single donut. As someone who spent 1-on-1 time with Jim, I think donuts would have made a difference.

Update Oct 27, 2023: Adding this note from The Rev’d. Dr. Charles D. Erlandson (Assistant Rector at Good Shepherd RE and head of Church History at Cranmer Theological House.

“He [James B. Jordan] was a member of Good Shepherd REC [Reformed Episcopal Church] for about 6 months when I first came in 1988. At that point, Good Shepherd was part of one of the continuing churches for a year, but Jordan left for the local PCA Church, and in 1989, we joined the REC.”

Via Facebook Comments

Attached is a copy of Jordan’s full inquiry letter: