Episcopal Fidelity

by Emilius Bayley

"Episcopal Fidelity" by Sir Emilius Bayley is a sermon preached in Westminster Abbey on July 25, 1877, during the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Anthony Wilson Thorold, D.D., as the Lord Bishop of Rochester. This work, reflective of the late 19th century, is a religious discourse that emphasizes the responsibilities and personal conduct of bishops within the Christian ministry, drawing on Biblical texts to articulate its core messages. In this sermon, Bayley underscores the critical importance of doctrine and personal integrity in the episcopal ministry. He begins by arguing that a bishop must be thoroughly grounded in the unchanging truths of Christianity as revealed in scripture; this not only forms the basis of their teaching but is crucial for their personal spiritual life. He emphasizes the need for vigilance in safeguarding the established doctrines of the Church of England against external and internal challenges. Furthermore, Bayley speaks to the character and personal accountability of bishops, urging them to lead by example through a moral and consecrated life. The sermon culminates in an appeal for prayer and support for the new bishop as he undertakes his duties, reaffirming the call to uphold the Protestant heritage and the essential truths of the Christian faith.