Seal of office for Bishop Raymond Allan Johnson
Monday, February 26, 2007
My Adjutants-Chamberlain
Elder Errol C. Hudson, Pastor
Unity and Peace Full Gospel Baptist Church
Detroit, Michigan
Adjutant-Chamberlain
Elder DeShante ErvinInternational Chief Verger
United Kingdom Builders International Ministries, Inc.
Apostolic Adjutant
THE CHIROTONIA
THE CHIROTONIA OR EPISCOPAL ORDINATION
Preface to the Ordination Rites
The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostles’ time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ's holy catholic Church. First, there is the order of bishops who carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the Church. Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests. Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching of the Word of God and administering his holy Sacraments. Thirdly, there are deacons who assist bishops and priests in all of this work. It is also a special responsibility of deacons to minister in Christ's name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless.
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands. It has been, and is, the intention and purpose of this Church to maintain and continue these three orders; and for this purpose these services of ordination and consecration are appointed. No persons are allowed to exercise the offices of bishop, priest, or deacon in this Church unless they are so ordained, or have already received such ordination with the laying on of hands by bishops who are themselves duly qualified to confer Holy Orders.
It is also recognized and affirmed that the threefold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ's catholic Church, but is a gift from God for the nurture of his people and the proclamation of his Gospel everywhere. Accordingly, the manner of ordaining in this Church is to be such as has been, and is, most generally recognized by Christian people as suitable for the conferring of the sacred orders of bishop, priest, and deacon.
Preface to the Ordination Rites
The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostles’ time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ's holy catholic Church. First, there is the order of bishops who carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the Church. Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests. Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching of the Word of God and administering his holy Sacraments. Thirdly, there are deacons who assist bishops and priests in all of this work. It is also a special responsibility of deacons to minister in Christ's name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless.
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands. It has been, and is, the intention and purpose of this Church to maintain and continue these three orders; and for this purpose these services of ordination and consecration are appointed. No persons are allowed to exercise the offices of bishop, priest, or deacon in this Church unless they are so ordained, or have already received such ordination with the laying on of hands by bishops who are themselves duly qualified to confer Holy Orders.
It is also recognized and affirmed that the threefold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ's catholic Church, but is a gift from God for the nurture of his people and the proclamation of his Gospel everywhere. Accordingly, the manner of ordaining in this Church is to be such as has been, and is, most generally recognized by Christian people as suitable for the conferring of the sacred orders of bishop, priest, and deacon.
Concerning the Ordination of a Bishop
When a bishop is to be ordained, the Presiding Bishop of this Church, or a bishop appointed by the Presiding Bishop, presides and serves as chief consecrator. At least two other bishops serve as co-consecrators. Representatives of the presbyterate, diaconate, and laity of the diocese for which the new bishop is to be consecrated, are assigned appropriate duties in the service – generally these are Adjutants-Chamberlain.
From the beginning of the service until the Offertory, the chief consecrator presides from a chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear what is done. The other bishops, or a convenient number of them, sit to the right and left of the chief consecrator.
The bishop-elect is vested in a CASSOCK and ZUCHETTO, without stole, tippet, or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or order. When the bishop-elect is presented, his full name (designated by the symbol N.N.) is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him only by the Christian name by which he wishes to be known. At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the family or friends of the newly ordained.
The family of the newly ordained may receive Communion before other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given to the people to communicate.
From the beginning of the service until the Offertory, the chief consecrator presides from a chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear what is done. The other bishops, or a convenient number of them, sit to the right and left of the chief consecrator.
The bishop-elect is vested in a CASSOCK and ZUCHETTO, without stole, tippet, or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or order. When the bishop-elect is presented, his full name (designated by the symbol N.N.) is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him only by the Christian name by which he wishes to be known. At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the family or friends of the newly ordained.
The family of the newly ordained may receive Communion before other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given to the people to communicate.
Bishops' Council
In order for the Consecration of a Bishop to be universally recognized at least three other already duly-Consecrated Bishops must lay hands on him/her.
There were maybe three Bishops present that evening whom I did not know or recognize; but of those whom I knew, the following comprised my Ordaining Council"
Bishop Carl E. Mitchell, Sr.
Bibleway Church of the Apostolic Faith
Covering Apostle for UKB International
and representing Bibleway Churches of the World
Bishop Thomas G. Mitchell, Sr.
Open Arms Cathedral
Presiding prelate of United Kingdom Builders
International Ministries, Inc.
Bishop Willie C. Mason
Zion International Ministries of the
Apostolic Faith
and representing Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith
Bishop Lawrence Lavelle Hancock, Sr.
Final Harvest Church International
Bishop Mark Jones
Center for Manifestation
Bishop Michael E. Carter, Sr.
Jesus Over You Ministries
Bishop Edward Banks, Sr.
True Faith Deliverance Church
There were maybe three Bishops present that evening whom I did not know or recognize; but of those whom I knew, the following comprised my Ordaining Council"
Bishop Carl E. Mitchell, Sr.
Bibleway Church of the Apostolic Faith
Covering Apostle for UKB International
and representing Bibleway Churches of the World
Bishop Thomas G. Mitchell, Sr.
Open Arms Cathedral
Presiding prelate of United Kingdom Builders
International Ministries, Inc.
Bishop Willie C. Mason
Zion International Ministries of the
Apostolic Faith
and representing Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith
Bishop Lawrence Lavelle Hancock, Sr.
Final Harvest Church International
Bishop Mark Jones
Center for Manifestation
Bishop Michael E. Carter, Sr.
Jesus Over You Ministries
Bishop Edward Banks, Sr.
True Faith Deliverance Church
Guest Bishops
Bishops Carl and Thomas Mitchell, Carter, and Banks are all Bishops in United Kingdom Builders. In this picture Carter has on a red Chimere, Bishop Carl Mitchell has on a gold Chimere, and Bishop Banks is wearing a purple Cope. I do not know the fourth brother; but all of the pulpit guests that evening were duly-consecrated Bishops. In later pictures you will see other faces.
The Examination
Next the Bishops-elect -- now called Bishops-designate -- are examined as to their readiness to assume their Episcopal Office:
The Examination
All now sit, except the bishop(s)-elect, who stands facing the bishops. The
Presiding Bishop addresses the bishop(s)-elect:
My brother(s), the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.
You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the sacraments of the New Covenant; to ordain priests and deacons and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.
With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to follow him who came, not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?
Answer I am so persuaded.
The following questions are then addressed to the bishop(s)-elect by one or more of the other bishops
Bishop Will you accept this call and fulfill this trust in obedience to Christ?
Answer I will obey Christ, and will serve in his name.
Bishop Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of Holy Scripture, that you may have the mind of Christ?
Answer I will, for he is my help.
Bishop Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?
Answer I will, in the power of the Spirit.
Bishop As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and support all baptized people in their gifts and ministries, nourish them from the riches of God’s grace, pray for them without ceasing, and celebrate with them the sacraments of our redemption?
Answer I will, in the name of Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
Bishop Will you guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church of God?
Answer I will, for the love of God.
Bishop Will you share with your fellow bishops in the government of the whole Church; will you sustain your fellow presbyters and take counsel with them; will you guide and strengthen the deacons and all others who minister in the Church?
Answer I will, by the grace given me.
Bishop Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper?
Answer I will, for the sake of Christ Jesus.
All stand. The Presiding Bishop then says
N., through these promises you have committed yourself to God, to serve his Church in the office of bishop. We therefore call upon you, chosen to be a guardian of the Church’s faith, to lead us in confessing that faith.
Bishop(s)-elect
We believe in one God.
Then all sing or say together
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Examination
All now sit, except the bishop(s)-elect, who stands facing the bishops. The
Presiding Bishop addresses the bishop(s)-elect:
My brother(s), the people have chosen you and have affirmed their trust in you by acclaiming your election. A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.
You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church; to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the sacraments of the New Covenant; to ordain priests and deacons and to join in ordaining bishops; and to be in all things a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.
With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world. Your heritage is the faith of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and those of every generation who have looked to God in hope. Your joy will be to follow him who came, not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?
Answer I am so persuaded.
The following questions are then addressed to the bishop(s)-elect by one or more of the other bishops
Bishop Will you accept this call and fulfill this trust in obedience to Christ?
Answer I will obey Christ, and will serve in his name.
Bishop Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the study of Holy Scripture, that you may have the mind of Christ?
Answer I will, for he is my help.
Bishop Will you boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people?
Answer I will, in the power of the Spirit.
Bishop As a chief priest and pastor, will you encourage and support all baptized people in their gifts and ministries, nourish them from the riches of God’s grace, pray for them without ceasing, and celebrate with them the sacraments of our redemption?
Answer I will, in the name of Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
Bishop Will you guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church of God?
Answer I will, for the love of God.
Bishop Will you share with your fellow bishops in the government of the whole Church; will you sustain your fellow presbyters and take counsel with them; will you guide and strengthen the deacons and all others who minister in the Church?
Answer I will, by the grace given me.
Bishop Will you be merciful to all, show compassion to the poor and strangers, and defend those who have no helper?
Answer I will, for the sake of Christ Jesus.
All stand. The Presiding Bishop then says
N., through these promises you have committed yourself to God, to serve his Church in the office of bishop. We therefore call upon you, chosen to be a guardian of the Church’s faith, to lead us in confessing that faith.
Bishop(s)-elect
We believe in one God.
Then all sing or say together
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, And his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Examination (photographs)
Presiding Bishop Thomas G. Mitchell, Sr. reads The Charge to the Bishops-designate and to the Congregation. 
Praise!!!
Our heads were anointed with oil; our spirits were anointed with the Holy Ghost and praise!!!
Sermon
My friend and fellow-Bishop, Apostle Michael E. Carter, Sr. delivered the Sermon of Consecration
Prayer
If you look at these pictures carefully you will notice that this Altaar Prayer, as well as the Communion and Presentation took place after the Investiture. I started this Blog in the wrong order, so please take the correct order into consideration as you read; and please pardon my error.
Investiture -- The Ring
In ancient times rulers and other important leaders wore a "Signet Ring" on thir hand - usually bearing the person's personal seal or "chop." They would press this ring into wax to seal official documents making it clear to the recipient that the document had the official approval of its originator.In the Church each bishop wears such a ring -- usually made of Amethyst and sometimes bearing his or her Official Seal -- as an official symbol of his/her office.
Investiture -- the Pectoral Cross
Under the Old Covenant the High Priest wore The Breastplate containing twelve precious stones, representing the Twelve Tribes. He wore this breastplate close to his heart to symbolize that he caried the people close to his heart; and when he went before God on the Day of Atonement he wore The Breastplate to signify that he represented the people before God.
Here I give fatherly instructions to the Apostolic Adjutants, regarding the sacredness of this Vestment, and on how to put it on and fasten it properly.
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