"The Reformed Episcopal Church has a long history of commitment to evangelical faith in the Anglican tradition. As we continue to step out in faith in the world mission context, we are finding easily formed, spiritually rich relationships in the Anglican Global South," said Ecumenical Bishop Ray R. Sutton.

Speaking for the three bishops including Archbishop Walter Grundorf of the Anglican Province of America, Sutton told VirtueOnline, "We have already have several conversations with provinces in this part of the world that demonstrate a shared love for Jesus Christ and His authoritative Word. With our intercommunion partners, (APA) we were able to meet and see firsthand the strength of Christianity in the laity and clergy in that fast growing province."

"We returned with the conviction that if the Gospel is kept first, the institutional concerns will follow. The REC and the APA are committed to the Gospel first and foremost, trusting the Lord for what He deems necessary for the kingdom of God to be more effective in this world," said Sutton. The Rt. Rev. James West, Reformed Episcopal Bishop of the Southeast accompanied the two bishops. IN other news, Bishop Sutton said the REC had opened one new mission or parish every month in the last 6 months. "We see no sign of this diminishing rather it is an encouraging move forward."

Asked what percentage were former Episcopalians verses new converts, Sutton said it was about 60 percent ex ECUCANS and 40 percent coming from other traditions and those finding faith for the first time.

Asked about the 5-year relationship with the APA with whom they have a concordat, Sutton said, "We are continuing to move forward in our relationship with the APA. God is bringing together that those who truly love the gospel and the holy scriptures."

Describing their differences, Sutton said the REC were Prayer Book Evangelicals while the APA were Prayer Book Catholics. The two have established a joint website. The two Anglican groups will hold their first semi-joint general council meeting this summer in Orlando Florida. We are hoping, praying and moving towards an eventual merger, said Sutton, stressing that there was no time line.

Sutton said that any ultimate merger would involve the laity. "It would have to embrace the union of one another at every level of the church."

Questioned about their relationship with the Episcopal Church, Sutton said that because of the ongoing crisis in the Episcopal Church over faith and morals, "we had to redirect our dialogue with the ECUSA through the Anglican Communion Network led by Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan.

"We are research participant with the Anglican Communion Network and that means we have voice and vote in the Network, but we are not members because we are not part of ECUSA."

Both Anglican groups are opposed to women's ordination. The REC uses the Book of Common Prayer 1662 which also includes Rite II of the 1928 Prayer Book, while the APA uses the 1928 Prayer Book.

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