Posted on 04/25/2005 6:33:57 PM PDT by newheart
Anglicanism has long been a communion containing within itself a diversity of theological opinions and various worship styles, which have often been characterized as "parties." In recent years diversity has been stretched to the breaking point, such that many groups of "Anglicans" have felt unable to continue to participate in the Communion. Cultural diversity has also emerged as Anglicanism has moved beyond being an "English" church and has taken root in various parts of the globe. This essay explores what might still be held to be "changeless," what needs to change, and what is actually changing in the way Anglicanism is expressed, especially in the non-Western world. The author expresses the hope that Western Anglicans can begin to learn from their non-Western neighbors.
It is a privilege to be asked to speak on this rather daunting topic of what is "changeless, changeable, and changing" within Anglicanism. I believe that I have been asked to speak partly because I represent a segment of the Anglican community which describes itself as "conservative evangelical." I am happy with that label, although in this country I find that it is often misunderstood. "Evangelical" has to do with the gospel, and a conservative is committed to preserving certain things. I really would prefer to be known as a "conservative evangelical liberationist" since the terms "conservative" and "evangelical" do not seem to convey the necessity of a commitment to the transformation of the world in the name of Christ. Let me begin by attempting to outline a few Anglican kinds of "difference" which exist today.
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Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
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