Kerfoot rejected Anglo-Catholic tendencies but was decidedly High Church. As part of the Tractarian movement, Ritualism increased during Kerfoot's episcopate. The word "Ritualism" refers to the introduction of new vestments and ceremonies in worship to symbolize certain doctrines. Ritualism was a reaction from a "coldness and baldness" in worship. Kerfoot supported the aesthetic side of Ritualism. However, he opposed doctrines connected with Ritualism about the Holy Eucharist and "sacramental confession" as contrary to the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion. He forbade the Anglo-Catholic practice of bowing at the altar because it implied “carnal presence.”