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Clergy
Discipline
Discipline is not an
optional extra. It is evident from the formularies and Canon Law
of the Church of England that there are clear boundaries for the
conduct and belief of clergy and therefore the expectation of
discipline to maintain those boundaries. In the Homilies, which
provide a sort of commentary on the Thirty-Nine Articles, it is
explicitly stated: The true church . . . hath always three
notes or marks, whereby it is known: Pure and sound doctrine;
The sacraments ministered according to Christ's holy institution;
And the right use of ecclesiastical discipline. (Homily on
'The Coming Down of the Holy Spirit'). Clergy discipline is a
clear mandate in the New Testament, and is essential for the upholding
of sound doctrine and the preaching of the true gospel. A neglect
of clergy discipline can only lead to error and decline in the
church.
Cross†Way
articles dealing with the issue of clergy discipline:
Clergy
Discipline. Discussion of further proposals for clergy discipline
since the implementation of the Clergy Discipline Measure (2000),
(Cross†Way 94, 2004)
The
Clergy Discipline Measure. Article written prior to the Clergy
Discipline Measure (2000) discussing some of the issues involved.
(Cross†Way 73, 1999),
Discipline
in the Parish. David Wheaton reflects on his experience of
exercising discipline in parish ministry. (Cross†Way 73,
1999)
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