Anglicanism: 2008 re-defined

Image taken from Christ Church New York City--as well as article.

The Ten Elements of Historic Anglicanism
An article by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Barnett, former Bishop of North Sydney. (Used by permission of the author.)

I refer to Anglicanism as defined in the historic formularies: the Book of Common Prayer and the 39 Articles.

1: Historic Anglicanism is Biblical
First and foremost this Anglicanism locates its final authority in matters pertaining to salvation in the Holy Scriptures (Article 6). The church, as "witness and keeper of the holy writ", has "power to decree rites and authority in matters of controversy" (Article 20). Nonetheless, churches may err and have erred within history.

Thus the church must defer to the Bible in all matters relating to salvation and, indeed, in all matters relating to rites, ceremonies and controversies.

Thus the Anglican Church is biblical as to the basis of its authority. At ordination the presbyter/minister is given a Bible as the instrument of ministry. The Bishop's charge in the Ordinal, along with the questions and answers, make it abundantly clear that Christian ministry has the Bible as the basis and means of ministry.

2: Historic Anglicanism is Protestant
Second, it is protestant. Article 6 states, "...whatsoever is not read therein," that is, in the Bible, "is not required an any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith." The church upholds the right of the individual to read and understand the Bible for his salvation, as opposed to salvation truth being mediated to him by the church.

3: Historic Anglicanism is catholic
Third, this church (Historic Anglicanism) recognizes that great truths of biblical revelation have been secured in creeds and confessions at moments of high theological controversy. Significantly, Articles 1-5 affirm the doctrines of the trinity and the incarnation and resurrection of Christ, which were in dispute in the early centuries. Thus, "historic" Anglicanism is committed to views on trinity and Christology which are catholic, that is, 'according to the whole' church, as opposed to heretical or sectional teachings. The creeds - the Apostles', the Nicene and the Athanasian - are important as expressions of "catholic" Christianity, to which "historic" Anglicanism has committed itself.

4: Historic Anglicanism is Reformed
However, fourth, "historic" Anglicanism is reformed, articulating the great biblical insights of the reformers Luther and Calvin, that sinners, which all people as the offspring of Adam are, are righteous before God "only for the merit of Christ, the sacrifice for sin", not on account of their works, or deservings. (Articles 9, 11).

Only two sacraments or signs of effectual grace - baptism and the Lord's Supper - are recognized, both of which were ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ, both of which take their character from the gospel. (Article 25).

These sacraments, however, are seen as having a significant place in this church. Both are expressed in significant liturgies, that of the Lord's Supper reaching great heights of theology and devotion. Their high place within Anglican order is secured by the simple instrument - the one called and sent to teach the congregation - the priest/minister - is the one who administers these effectual signs.

5: Historic Anglicanism is Liturgical
Fifth, this is a liturgical church. Anglicanism employs liturgy to several ends: --

To secure regular acknowledgment from the church that sinners are saved only in Christ;
To express the congregation's adherence to the catholic faith in the use of the historic creeds;
To express the need of the congregation to hear the Bible in both Testaments read systematically, giving a special place to the Psalms as articulating biblical piety;
And to provide for prayer which is carefully crafted theologically and which reflects international, national as well as local needs.
Liturgy is not used for art's sake (that is, aesthetically), but for truth's sake (that is, theologically), in order to retain the Bible, the catholic creeds and the reformed confessions at the center of the church's faith and witness.

It uses liturgy for the sake of laity, to protect the congregation from the whims of the minister and to provide for the voice of the congregation to be heard articulating the faith, and not just the voice of the preacher.

Cranmer wanted the people of the English church to know and love the Scriptures. To that end provision was made for systematic and extensive reading of the OT, NT and Psalms.

It is to be regretted that this is today at a discount. It's a matter of only one reading, often not done well. Contrary to impression, the time taken by the actual liturgical content within a service is not great. Take out the hymns, readings, sermon, anthem/item and notices, and there may not be more than ten minutes in e.g. a service of Morning Prayer. In a well-conducted service it is possible to have the liturgical content, two readings, a psalm, the creed, reasonable intercessions, four hymns and a twenty-minute sermon finished in an hour.

6: Historic Anglicanism is Evangelistic and Pastoral
Sixth, the Ordinal, Catechism and Occasional Services commit Anglican ministers to a ministry which is evangelistic and pastoral. The evangelism envisaged is not independent of the continuing life of the local church. It is settled, routine and recurring, within the congregational setting.

7: Historic Anglicanism is Episcopal and Parochial
Seventh, "historic" Anglicanism is episcopal and parochial. Only those who are duly recognized by the bishop engage in preaching in the congregation and in ministering the sacraments among the people. The role of ordaining and licensing ministers in churches is placed in the hands of the bishop.

Provision is made for the deposition of "evil ministers", (Article 26) which is the 'Achilles heel' of Anglicanism. The existence of the episcopate has provided laity aggrieved with their ministers with a place of appeal, sometimes justified, sometimes not.

8: Historic Anglicanism is of Rational Ethos
Eight, historically speaking, "historic" Anglicanism has been of rational ethos. It has been prepared to engage in study and debate. Anglican evangelism has been associated with apologetics, eschewing manipulative or unworthy methods of bringing people to Christ. C.S. Lewis, J.I.Packer and J.R.W Stott have giving thousands in their generations and beyond a ground for hope in the intellectual and moral acceptability of the Christian faith.

9: Historic Anglicanism affirms Creation, Society and the Common Good
Ninth, in common with other churches of the Protestant Reformation, "historic" Anglicanism has affirmed laypersons, their role in marriage and the family, and their civic vocation within society. Thus "historic Anglicanism" affirms both creation and society. It is concerned with the common good, for the "welfare of the city," to use Jeremiah's words. Its intercessions are directed to that end and in accord with 1 Tim 2:1:

('I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way').

10: Historic Anglicanism is an Open Fellowship
Tenth, likewise it is an open fellowship, not restrictive of membership nor exclusivist or sectarian in temper. This provides for a broad accessibility to the church of those outside its active membership. A steady flow has come to it from other churches, which historically had separated from it, as well as from the non-believing community.