When William Love first took this oath in 1991, he did so in good conscience.

First, the idea that a hearing body, not composed entirely of Bishop Love's peers (at least 2 of the 5 panel members were not bishops) could render judgment of a theological nature on someone of that status is abhorrent. Only a bishop who has been called to discipline a wayward priest or decide whether the parishes in his see must be closed because of declining attendance can judge whether a fellow bishop has violated the order and discipline under which all bodies, even churches operate.

IF the early Christians had believed this, Christianity would have died out quickly. Unity with the Jews would have required shutting up about the Resurrection of Jesus. But as the Holy Spirit made clear through Peter, "We must obey God rather than men!" (For context, see Acts 5:27-29).

In 391, while in Hippo (where he was well known by reputation) he was ordained a priest. According to some stories, this was almost done against his will. Yet, within five years, he was made Bishop of Hippo. In his episcopate, we once again see a modern man. In addition to his pastoral duties within Hippo, he traveled to church councils in the region of North Africa – forty to fifty times over the course of the 35 years he served as bishop.