The Doctrine of the Constitution of the Anglican Church in North America

http://theheritageanglicannetwork.blogspot.com/2009/06/doctrine-of-constitution-of-anglican.html

[The Heritage Anglican Network] 16 June 2009--In this first of a series of two articles on the doctrine of the Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church in North America, I examine the doctrinal positions that the Constitution takes on a number of issues and their implications. Why is the doctrine of these two documents important? Philip Ashey in his contribution to the paper, “An Overview of the Work of the Governance Task Force on the Constitution and Canons for the Anglican Church in North America” provides an answer.

“These declarations or ‘confessions’ are so fundamental to our identity as Anglicans that it is the duty of every member of the Province to engage regularly in the reading and study of the Doctrine of the Church as found in Article I of the Constitution (Canon I.10.2). Congregations become members when their Vestry or comparable governing board certifies that they have subscribed to the Constitution and Canons of the ACNA—including Article I (Appendix A Guidelines, No. 9) All ordinands to the diaconate and presbyterate are required to swear an oath to “solemnly engage to conform to the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of Christ as this Church has received them”—which includes the received Fundamental Declarations in Article 1 (Canons III. 3.2 and III.4.3, emphasis added). Bishops are also required to make the same declaration at their consecration (Canon III.8.5) and may be presented and deposed for violation of this vow (Canon IV.2.3)”

With his answer in mind, let us take a look at the doctrine of the ACNA Constitution....