John Wesley

Did Erasmus of Arcadia ordain John Wesley a bishop in 1763?

and by consecrating Wesley communicate valid orders to the Methodist church?

The story is not made up but certainly it was folly. Erasmus didn’t know any English and Wesley had to conceal his new status under penalty of law. He died within the Anglican church as an ordinary clergyman in the eyes of that church. But, if apostolic succession is held to have meaning, that is the Methodist claim to it and they style themselves to this day as the Methodist “Episcopal” Church. Anglican bishops refused to ordain Methodist clergy.

“communicate valid orders”? I would say no. Ordination to be valid has to open, honest, and public. There is too much sneaking around involved. Kind of like Jacob defrauding Esau in order to obtain the blessing of Isaac.

John Wesley of Porcupine Tree talks about Babicz Guitars