Declaration by Bishop Designate

Take notice - AVCF has failed in this pledge or declaraton for what had been appointed in 2005/6. Amongst the items at the Ordination and Installation of the Bishop of Sabah, the following would be related:- (25 April, 2006) Archbishop <... >:In the declaration you (bishop designate) are about to make, will you affirm your loyalty to this inheritance of faith as your inspiration and guidance under God in bringing the grace and truth of Christ in this generation and making him known to those in your care? Bishop designate: I, .................... Do so affirm, and accordingly declare my belief in the faith which is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds and to which the historic formularies of the Anglican Church bears witness, and in public prayers and administration of the sacraments, I will use only the forms of service which are authorised or allowed by Canon. The DECLARATION:- The bishop-designate stands before the Archbishop, and the people sit. Archbishop: A bishop is called to lead in serving and caring for the people of God and to work with them in the oversight of the Church. As a chief pastor he shares with his fellow bishops a special responsibility to maintain and further the unity of the church, to uphold its discipline, and to guard its faith. He is to promote its mission throughout the world. It is his duty ti watch over and pray for all those committed to his charge, and to teach and govern them after the exaple of the Apostles, speaking in the name of God and proclaiming the gospel of Christ. He is to know his people and be known by them. He is to ordain and to send new ministers, guiding those who serve with him and enabling them to fulfil their ministry. He is to baptise and confirm, to preside at the Holy Communion, and to lead the offering of prayer and praise. He is to be merciful, but with firmness, and to minister discipline, but with mercy. He is to have a special care for the outcast and needy, and to those who turn to God he is to declare the forgiveness of sins. The Archbishop says to the bishop-designate In order that we may know your mind and purpose, and that you may be strengthened in your resolve to fulfil your ministry, you must make the declarations we now put to you. Do you believe, so far as you know your own heart, that God has called to the office and work of a bishop in his Church? Answer: I believe that God has called me. Archbishop: Do you accept the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Answer: I do so accept them. Archbishop: Do you believe the doctrine of the Christian faith as the Anglican Church has received it, and in your ministry will you expound and teach it? Answer: I believe it, and will so do. Archbishop: Will you accept the discipline of this Chirch and faithfully exercise authority within it? Answer: By the help of God, I will. Archbishop: Will you be deligent in prayer, in reading holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to uphold the truth of the Gospel against error? Answer: By the help of God, I will. Archbishop: Will you strive to fashion your own life and that of your household according to the way of Christ? Answer: By the help of God, I will. Archbishop: Will you promote unity, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among those whom you serve? Answer: By the help of God, I will. Archbishop: Will you then be a faithful witness to Christ to those among whom you live, and lead your people to obey the Saviour's command to make disciples of all nations? Answer: By the help of God, I will. Archbishop: Almighty God, who has given you the will to undertake all these things, give you also the strength to perform them, that we may complete that work which he has begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord,. Amen.