Well GKC I know you claim to be Anglican, but then so do whack-nuts like Spong and Schiori. Please do not misunderstand me, I would rather be in a good Pub with you discussing the Anglican Way than at a cocktail party with the likes of Spong and Schiori. But I still maintain that those “Thirty-Nine Things in the back of the Prayer Book” are what defines what the Anglican Way is as a framework of and for Anglican Theology. Within conservative Anglicanism there are those who claim that the Anglican Way is just as Confessional as the Lutherans and those who Confess the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Sign me “Catholic, but not Roman”.
You know something correct, then. I am Anglican.
Anglicanism is not confessional. The Articles are imposed on ordinands of the CoE, for all others there is no requirement to pay the slightest attention to them, as a document. What defines Anglicanism is a framework of liturgy, the major creeds, scripture, reason and tradition and a certain ability to live with some ambiquity. The range of doctrine found in historic Anglicanism, under the umbrella of “mere Christianity” was wide. From reformed/evagelical, kissing kin to some Puritans or Congregationalists, through the middle range, to Anglo-Catholics, to Anglo-Papalists knee deep in the Tiber. All Anglican, as long as all Christian.
Certainly I know there are some folks who think there is a confessional aspect to Anglicanism. And some folks think Spong is not only an Anglican, but a Christian. What level of authority do you think would enforce the Articles? In the COE, as an Erastian Church, it’s Parliament. Know of any others?
If you found yourself in the Eagle and Child, on Tuesday, talking to Jack Lewis, don’t try the “Anglicans don’t believe in purgatory” bit on him. It’ll ruin your day.
And remember. Neither you nor I am in communion with +
Cantaur. Many’s the Episcopalian who has declared me not an Anglican thereby. But that isn’t the test. Neither are the Articles.
GKC
*Anglicanus Catholicus *, out of town for 5 days.