http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=28139
[Catholic Online] 6 June 2008--“Why did the Anglican cross the road?” He never did, he stopped in the middle.
Anglicans have traditionally been called the “Via Media” or “the middle road” between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Depending on which way a certain Anglican group may lean, they could be described as Catholic Lite or Protestants with Prayer Books. Until the mid-20th Century, however, most of them stayed in the middle of the road together.
Anglicanism, as a unique tradition, is founded on the principle of inclusiveness and diversity. Since the 16th Century, when it positioned itself as a “via media” between the Catholic and Protestant, theological diversity has been one of the defining characteristics of the Anglican Church. I believe we are called today to affirm the same tolerance and acceptance of others’ beliefs. The Anglican Church currently has many theological movements including orthodox (from Anglo-catholic to forms of orthodox Protestant), Evangelicalism (from forms of fundamentalism to Evangelical Protestant theology) and Progressive (from Liberal Christians to Christian Humanists).
ReplyDeleteWe have this diverse and rich tradition because throughout our history we have chosen not to become too indoctrinated. The mystery of God has been acknowledged. Reason is valued, and since no definitive theology can be deduced (theology is a moving and forever developing process) we can affirm the sacredness of a diversity of opinions. This diversity is our greatest strength and at the same time has become our greatest challenge.
From an external point of view (from outside of Anglicanism) our beliefs are unclear, and our internal quarrels gain media attention and only help to confuse people trying to understand what Anglicans believe. Internally we face a few problems – it can be hard to find and assess particular theological environments. – Debates over administrative decisions which are controversial in regards to some of these movements. I believe we should cherish our diversity, attempt to clarify what these movements mean and what they believe to outsiders, and try to clarify where types of movements, groups, and services can be found.
In terms of leadership issues, the see of Canterbury has no jurisdiction or right to tell other provinces what to believe or do. We need to give people and provinces the latitude to make their own decisions and present our opinions for them to consider. Threats of schism are childish and counterproductive. Anglicanism, as a unique tradition, is founded on the principle of inclusiveness and diversity.
IMHO,
Cliffe
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