Bishop Baxter Writes...

May 9, 2011

Dear Sisters & Brothers;

In this edition of DIGEST I resume answering questions regarding the ministry of the Church in our diocese. A question often asked is regarding the role of laity regarding the cure of souls (i.e. anointing and blessing).

In Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions only priests (not laity or deacons) anoint the sick or make unction. Unction, or anointing, is a form of consecrating. In this matter the “ABC” tradition prevails: only priests Absolve, Bless or Consecrate. While it is clearly expected that all orders have a role in the care of those suffering in body, mind or spirit, there is distinction of roles in such ministry. Laity may assist by offering or sharing in prayers for the sick, even laying-on-of hands; also they are encouraged in the ministry of consoling and offering the gift of presence. But, whether at a parish healing service or station or the visiting of a sick or shut-in person, it is appropriate for the priest alone to administer the sacrament of anointing. The Book of Common Prayer does allow that in cases of “necessity” a deacon or layperson may administer at the direction of the priest. “Necessity” means that it is an extreme emergency such as a priest is not available; that it is not a repeated or regular practice; and that in any such “necessity” it is done with the permission and guidance of the local priest or the bishop.

Having shared these directions, I stress that all orders share in the care for those in need of healing--- physical or spiritual. We are blessed in this diocese by a growing number of healing ministries from parish healing services, to prayer quilt, clothes and shawl ministries, to intercessory prayer groups. I have also been very moved in my visits to congregations by the spirit of faith during the Eucharistic Prayers of the People. [The ABC practice (Absolving, Blessing and Consecrating) also applies at the distribution of communion regarding persons not receiving (adults or children). It also applies to offering absolution to persons who may come to the railing to share a sin or failing. These are not the roles of deacons or laypersons.]

Certainly the ministry of prayer is always appropriate and encouraged for and among all the People of God. And the scriptural guideline upon which historically the Church has drawn role-distinction does speak equally to both situations. James 5: 14, 15 encourages: 14”Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders [“Presbureros” in Greek from which we translate priest] of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.” But then James hastens to encourage the prayer ministry of all the baptized by saying: "16Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

All of us---laity, deacons, priests and bishops--- have a role in the ministries of the Cure of Souls.

Peace & Grace,
+Nathan