SteveMacias: Import REC Book of Occasional Services text

2026-05-11T16:33:29Z

Import REC Book of Occasional Services text

New page

= Form for Declaration of Secularization of a Church =




'''Form for Declaration of Secularization of a Church''' is an occasional service of the Reformed Episcopal Church used for the formal declaration removing consecration from a church building.

== Overview ==
This form provides solemn words and prayers for declaring that a church building is no longer set apart for sacred use. It acknowledges the building's history and removes the force of its consecration.

== Full Text of the Service ==
A Form for Declaration of Secularization

=== Of a Church Building ===

''¶ The Clergy, church-wardens and other officers, with as many other persons as may desire, being assembled within the building, a statement shall be made declaring it is considered desirable that the consecration shall be removed from it, the Minister speaking as follows.''

GOOD people, you know already the reasons for which it is thought well that this building, hitherto consecrated and separated from all worldly uses, shall be no longer continued in this use, but shall be taken down or appropriated to other purposes. We have carefully considered these reasons, and are persuaded that they are just and right. We believe that the glory of God and the work of his spiritual building will be the more promoted by that which we are about to do.

To many of you this building has become endeared by many sacred memories, and you will suffer a loss and feel that something has passed out of your lives. Such persons will be comforted by the assurance that the Presence of God, and the consolation of our holy religion, are not tied to any one place or building.

We have caused that the Altar hitherto in this church should be carefully removed and protected from desecration.

We have also taken proper care that the congregation hitherto worshiping in this church shall be duly ministered to.

''¶ Then shall be read by the Warden, or the person appointed, the Declaration of the Secularization, issued by the Bishop, and duly signed by him.''

In the Name of God, Amen.

FORASMUCH as on the ——— day of ————, in the year of our Lord ———, by our predecessor, ————, Bishop of the Diocese of ————, according to the order of the Reformed Episcopal Church, this fabric was duly consecrated and hallowed by, the name of (Saint) ———— Church; and Forasmuch as his Sentence of Consecration has been full of force and effect until this date; We, ————, Bishop of the Diocese aforesaid, do hereby declare said Sentence of our Right Reverend predecessor to be revoked and canonically annulled, and do hereby revoke and annul the same, and do remit this fabric and the appurtenances thereof to secular and common uses for any lawful and reputable employment by honest men, for their good and honourable work, business, or profession, according to the laws of this land.

And this fabric, accordingly, is hereby forever secularized, and the Sentence aforesaid is voided and revoked, and this place, heretofore a holy place, and sacred to the preaching of God’s holy Word, and the ministration of his holy Sacraments, is hereby pronounced secular and unconsecrated, and no longer within our canonical jurisdiction, but given back solely to the protection of the laws of the land, and to none other than such common uses and secular control as by said laws are recognized and allowed.

Given under our hand and seal, in the City of ————, State/Province of ————, and before divers witnesses duly published within the walls of the fabric aforesaid, on this day of —————, in the year of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ two thousand ————, Signed: ———————Bishop of ———————

''¶ Then shall the Minister say,''

The Lord be with you.

'''People.'''

And with thy spirit.

'''Minister.''' Let us pray.

''¶ Minister and people.''

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

O LORD God, who in thy great goodness didst accept as a dwelling place for thine honour this building now to be ————: Receive, we pray thee, our praises and thanksgivings for the blessings, help, and comfort which thou hast bestowed upon thy people through the ministrations in this place. Grant that they may never pass from the hearts and lives of those who have received them. Continue in greater measure, we beseech thee, thy manifold mercies in the Church to be erected in thy name and to thy glory, that we may be ever conscious of thine unchanging love. Hear this our prayer, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

ASSIST us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LORD bless us and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen.

== Notes on Use ==
* Use only with proper ecclesiastical authority and pastoral care for the congregation affected.
* Prepare the historical and canonical details before the declaration is read.
* The tone should remain sober, grateful, and truthful about loss and transition.

== Liturgical Structure ==
* Statement of reasons
* Declaration
* Prayer
* Thanksgiving or blessing
* Conclusion

== Theological Themes ==
* Sacred space and ecclesial authority.
* Thanksgiving for past worship and ministry.
* Pastoral honesty in closure, transition, and loss.

== Source ==
This text is transcribed from the official Reformed Episcopal Church PDF.<ref>[https://www.rechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/14-Form-for-Declaration-of-Secularization-of-a-Church-Building.pdf Form for Declaration of Secularization of a Church], The Reformed Episcopal Church. Official source hub: [https://www.rechurch.org/resources/book-of-occasional-services/ Book of Occasional Services].</ref>

== See Also ==
* [[Book of Common Prayer]]
* [[Reformed Episcopal Church]]
* [[Anglican liturgy]]
* [[Book of Occasional Services (Reformed Episcopal Church)]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Reformed Episcopal Church]]
[[Category:Occasional Services]]
[[Category:Anglican Liturgy]]

Form for Declaration of Secularization of a Church - Revision history

SteveMacias: Import REC Book of Occasional Services text