Popular designation of the followers of Edward Irving (1792-1834), a former Scottish Presbyterian minister; their official title is "the Catholic Apostolic Church." Irving attempted to restore the Primitive Church as he interpreted it, and established an elaborate ministry, consisting of apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastors; each congregation is in charge of an "angel" who ranks as a pastor, assisted by 24 priests and 7 deacons. His followers believe in the abiding gifts of the Holy Ghost, speaking with tongues, prophecies, healings, etc., and in the real presence; they practise tithing. The ritual is elaborate, resembling that of the Catholic Church. Statistics are not available, but the number of churches is not more than 80 throughout the world.
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