Identity elements
Reference Number
GC-04-R0006
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Fonds
Title
House of Bishops. Pastoral Letters
Date(s)
- 1808-1958 (Creation)
Extent
1.6 cu.ft. (4 boxes)
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection comprises pastoral letters issued by the Bishops at General Conventions and during Special Sessions.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically
Conditions of access and use elements
Access conditions
Access to Episcopal Church records is governed by the Archives Public Access Policy. Research requests must be submitted in writing.
Technical access
Rights and permissions
The Archives is able to respond to limited requests for reproductions subject to copyright restrictions, internal policy, and the condition of the source documents.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related records and archives
Notes element
Specialized notes
- Abstract: The first Pastoral Letter of the House of Bishops was issued at the 1808 General Convention. Pastoral Letters, addressed to the clergy and laity of The Episcopal Church, are issued by the Bishops at General Convention and at many Special Sessions of the House. Pastoral Letters concern problems of the day and may, for example, respond at General Convention to the House of Deputies' report on the State of the Church. Since 1820 all clergy having a pastoral charge are required to read the Pastoral Letter to their congregation within one month of its receipt.