Preface to the Ordination Rites

*The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that 
from the apostles' time, there have been different ministries within the 
Church.  In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three 
distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of 
Christ's holy Catholic Church.  First, there is the order of bishops who 
carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the 
Church.  Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained 
elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests. Together with 
the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the 
carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching 
of the Word of God and administering his holy Sacraments.  Thirdly, 
there are deacons who assist bishops and priests in all of this work.  
It is also a special responsibility of deacons to minister in Christ's 
name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless.*

*The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called 
by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred orders by 
solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands.  It has been, and 
is, the intention and purpose of this Church to maintain and continue 
these three orders; and for this purpose these services of ordination 
and consecration are appointed.  No persons are allowed to exercise the 
offices of bishop, priest, or deacon in this Church unless they are so 
ordained, or have already received such ordination with the laying on of 
hands by bishops who are themselves duly qualified to confer Holy 
Orders.*

*It is also recognized and affirmed that the threefold ministry is not 
the exclusive property of this portion of Christ's catholic Church, but 
is a gift from God for the nurture of his people and the proclamation of 
his Gospel everywhere.  Accordingly, the manner of ordaining in this 
Church is to be such as has been, and is, most generally recognized by 
Christian people as suitable for the conferring of the sacred orders of 
bishops, priest, and deacon.*