sentences:  In the sixteenth century a solid body of Anglican opinion emerged which saw the theological importance of the historic episcopate but refused to 'unchurch' those churches which did not retain it.The preface to the "Ordinal" limits itself to stating historical reasons why episcopal orders are to 'be continued and reverently used in the Church of England'.Before 1662 it was assumed that the foreign Reformed (Presbyterian) Churches were genuine ones with an authentic ministry of Word and Sacrament.