Episcopal polity distinct from civil society, which was so crucial for the development of local churches as non-established entities outside England, and gave direct rise to the Catholic Revival and disestablishmentarianism within England. Functionally, Anglican episcopal authority is expressed synodically, although individual provinces may accord their primate with more or less authority to act independently. Called variously "synods," "councils," or "conventions," they meet under episcopal chairmanship. In many jurisdictions, conciliar resolutions that have been passed require episcopal assent or consent to take force. Seen in this way, Anglicans often speak of "the bishop-in-synod" as the force and authority of episcopal governance. Such
Reformed Episcopal Seminary doctrine." The seminary emphasizes what they describe as "classical Anglicanism lived out in the world through worship, evangelism, and discipleship." The seminary further describes itself as Evangelical, Catholic, Reformed, Ecumenical and Episcopal, defining the terms this way: The seminary's first location was at the corner of 43rd and Chestnut streets in West Philadelphia alongside the magnificent Christ Memorial Church (pictured at right.) Currently the seminary is in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. It consists of three buildings, including one dorm house for students. Also resident on campus are the offices of the Reformed Episcopal diocese of the Northeast