Its been a big year for the Anglican Communion, what with GAFCON, Lambeth, and the new province. If one Anglican stands out from other Anglicans, head and shoulders above the rest, or stooping low in meekness and selfless humility, who might that be?
Obvious candidates are episcopal figures: Williams, Sentamu, Duncan, Jefferts Schori, Akinola, Jensen, and co. Even Desmond Tutu, ostensibly on the 'retired' list continues to contribute much.
But some keen and key influential figures have not been bishops (slight bias to internet contributors in what follows): Mark Harris, Kendal Harmon, and Graham Kings spring to mind. But the figures at the Anglican Communion Institute, Ephraim Radner, Christopher Seitz, and Philip Turner have also contributed, especially to the possibility - increasingly remote as it seems - that conservative Anglicans cannot not only safely sail in the good ship TEC, but even turn her course around! But this triumverate is well matched by three significant figures on the Stand Firm site, Matt Kennedy, Sarah Hey, and Greg Griffiths.
But one can always overestimate the power of the media, or of one medium within it. Perhaps the Anglican of the Year in 2008 should be someone less well known. Someone who exhibits in their ministry and mission quintessential Anglican qualities. It could be your home group leader or parish visitor. Or someone quite anonymous, one who follows our Lord's instructions in respect of secret prayer.
Any thoughts from readers?
I'd nominate Fr. Scot Wright from Diocese of Olympia. He continues to respect his TEC leadership and remains the sole conservative-ish priest in Diocese of Olympia. Olympia has painlessly obtained what the rest of TEC appears to strive for; a painless coup to the benefit of the liberals. Fr. Scot straddles the divide possibly any priest in the country. He keeps his bishop and presiding bishop in prayer as well as any priest, honors his ordination vows, and continues to teach and practice orthodox Anglican teaching as it was given to him in his call to the priesthood.
ReplyDeleteHe's one of a rare and quiet breed, serving in a liberal TEC diocese while still honoring his foundational call. His parishioners could not begin to say how much they appreciate him.
"He's one of a rare and quiet breed, serving in a liberal TEC diocese while still honoring his foundational call."
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of that Japanese soldier who stayed out in the jungle of some Pacific island, fighting WWII until 1971 or so.