True Anglicanism

 

The term Anglican is of comparatively recent origin (19th C), but it identifies the world-wide family of churches that sprang from the Ecclesia Anglicana, reformed in the 16th century, and which spread throughout the nations with the advance of the British Empire.  Anglicanism may be considered as a distinct communion or denomination within the wider Body of Christ, and many would point to characteristics and features that are uniquely its own.  But in essence, in its origins, in the teaching of its founding exponents, Anglicanism is simply the revival of biblical religion on English soil, exported to wherever its members happened to have settled during the long period of English overseas settlement.  Of course, the Established Church of England and its offshoots have by no means always exhibited the evangelical faith in which Anglicanism was rooted and by which it was shaped through the guiding hands of the Reformers, but authentic Anglicanism must be gauged by the twin ideals of Scriptural teaching and Reformational confessionalism.  Much else has been imported into popular Anglican belief and practice and embraced by its leaders and members, but according to our doctrinal and liturgical standards, and the expressed convictions and intentions of our Fathers, many of these elements (Roman, liberal, skeptical) are alien and inconsistent with authentic Anglicanism.  Anglicanism is an earnest attempt to present genuine biblical religion, so that essential saving belief is derived from the Scriptures, human reasoning is governed by Scripture, and all traditions of the church are in accord with Scripture.  Whenever Anglicanism is appreciated, or commended, it is not to promote a crusade on behalf of a mere institution, communion, or denomination as in any way rivalling other forms of Christian belief, practice, and discipline, but to advocate Biblical Christianity so beautifully, wisely, and faithfully exemplified by several generations of English Reformers and their heirs.  History, The Thirty-Nine articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal combine to show that Anglicanism is nothing more than an endeavour to reproduce the faith of Sacred Scripture in witness, worship, and pastoral care.

For more from Mr. (Rev.) Roger Salter (Church of England), see:  http://www.livingoracles.org/1/post/2013/09/true-anglicanism.html#comments