Pages

Monday, August 4, 2008

What is Anglicanism all about?

Desmond Tutu defined Anglicanism as "We meet". That's pretty good, but perhaps too enigmatic. Here is another offering, this time within a slightly dark piece by Ruth Gledhill about Rowan's discontenters:

"But not all Anglicans like success. Their gospel is the Christ-like one of victory through defeat, preferably crucifixion. In response to his failure to have a good public row and bring about schism, Dr Williams is facing rebellion within the ranks, although all done with the nicest of English smiles, a handshake or two and the Christian "sign of the peace"."

I quite like the definition of Anglicanism offered me by a Brethren observer, many years ago: "accommodation". But these days the accommodation appears a bit run down; some think that dividing the house in two will lead to a better night's sleep, and, according to Ruth Gledhill's whisperers, the landlord might be getting past it. (For the record: I do not think the landlord is beynd the challenge of the future, but I wonder if he deserves to retire himself and let in some fresh legs for the uphill climb of the next few years).

A lot will depend on evangelical Anglican's ability to organise themselves in the next few years. Our ability to do this should not be over-estimated.

No comments:

Post a Comment