Negotiating the Historic Episcopate: Christian Unity Discussions Between the Anglican and Non-Episcopal Communions, 1888-1938

This thesis provides an examination of the impact of the fourth article of the Lambeth Quadrilateral on Christian unity discussions between the Anglican and Non-Episcopal communions in the time period 1888-1938. The Lambeth Quadrilateral consisted of four articles that the Anglican Communion considered essential for a reunited church, the fourth of which was “the historic episcopate.” This thesis demonstrates that there was no agreed understanding within the Anglican Communion of the term “historic episcopate.” From the introduction of the Quadrilateral in 1888 onwards, Anglican scholars and leaders were unable to come to agreement on whether the “historic episcopate” included the doctrine of “apostolic succession.” This intra-Anglican dispute had a problematic impact upon discussions between the Anglican and non-episcopal communions. During the time period examined in this thesis there was a developing acknowledgement among scholars and leaders of the non-episcopal communions that a united church of the future would have to include some form of episcopacy. However, the non-episcopalians were unwilling to accept episcopacy if it involved also accepting the doctrine of apostolic succession. In particular, they rejected any proposal that required the re-ordination of non-episcopal ministers by bishops. Analysing successive Lambeth Conferences from 1888 to 1930, this thesis provides an account of the way in which these intra-Anglican disputes hampered the quest for unity between the Anglican and non-episcopal communions.