As a member of the REC, I think it is a stretch to say that the REC is going Anglo-Catholic. There are some parishes leaning more high church but that does not equal Anglo-catholicism. As far as FV is concerned, I personally haven't come into contact with any espousing that view (not to say there may not be some around but I haven't experienced any sort of major inroads being made by the FV.
While the REC has been historically "low church", what has happened is that the REC has moved more "center" on worship. Some fall on the low church side with black gowns, others are more high church with alb and chasuble. The mission where I served for a time, cassock, surplice and stole (tippet for the daily office) were worn.
Cummins Theological seminary still uses the works of Calvin, Berkhoff, Bavinck, Murray, etc for their coursework. Cranmer house still uses similar materials. We actually have quite a few former presbyterians in our ranks - Dr. Curtis Crenshaw, the Rt. Rev. Daniel Morse, as well as a number of presbyters. Further, the new REC BCP is based on the 1662 and has restored the Black Rubric:
Quote:
Whereas it is ordained in this Office for the Administration of the Lord's Supper, that the Communicants should receive the same kneeling; (which order is well meant, for a signification of our humble and grateful acknowledgment of the benefits of Christ therein given to all worthy Receivers, and for the avoiding of such profanation and disorder in the holy Communion, as might otherwise ensue yet, lest the same kneeling should by any persons, either out of ignorance and infirmity, or out of malice and obstinacy, be misconstrued and depraved: It is hereby declared, That thereby no adoration is intended, or ought to be done, either unto the Sacramental Bread or Wine there bodily received, or unto any Corporal Presence of Christ's natural Flesh and Blood. For the Sacramental Bread and Wine remain still in their very natural substances, and therefore may not be adored; (for that were Idolatry, to be abhorred of all faithful Christians and the natural Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ are in Heaven, and not here; it being against the truth of Christ's natural Body to be at one time in more places than one."
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Regarding the merger with the APA - that was set to the back burner a few years ago (the merger was supposed to have taken place this year) in favor of a more loose association via FACA ( Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas). While the REC still works with the APA, there hasn't been much more talk of merger that I know of so I honestly don't know where it officially stands.
As far as Ray Sutton, I now little of Ray Sutton the presbyterian (only what little I read in reference to Tyler ARC thing which was referenced) so I can only speak for Ray Sutton, REC Bishop. I have found him to be a humble and gracious minister of the Gospel.
Katy. TX - that would be St. Matthias which is now the cathedral parish of the Diocese of Mid-America. The Rev. Jason Grote is the son of the Rt. Rev. Royal U. Grote.
All this being said, as for me personally, I am most certainly NOT an anglo-catholic
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P.S. The church I am serving in now is a Nigerian parish. The REC is working towards full communion with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican). I still retain my membership in the REC