The Oxford Handbook of Ecclesiology Edited by Paul Avis Oxford University Press. Pp. 672. $125 Review by Richard J. Mammana Ecclesiology is the study of “the Church’s manifold self-understanding in relation to a number of areas: the origins, structures, authority, doctrine, ministry, sacraments, unity, diversity, and mission of the Church, including its relation to … [Read more...] about The Thorough Authority of Paul Avis
ecclesiology
‘The Gospel of God Creates the Church of God’
This year’s Global Anglican Future Conference has issued a communiqué under the title “Letter to the Churches.” The document, approved during a plenary session by the nearly 2,000 delegates to the gathering says in part: The uniqueness of Jesus Christ lies at the heart of the gospel: “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to … [Read more...] about ‘The Gospel of God Creates the Church of God’
Covenantal Theology for the Anglican Communion
Review by Wesley Hill “Becoming Anglican is trendy,” a Lutheran friend once said to me, referring to evangelicals’ popular “Canterbury trail” pilgrimages, and it was clear he did not mean it as a compliment. “Anglicanism is a sinking ship,” opined a Roman Catholic friend around the same time. “Anglicanism is Protestant,” a fellow Episcopalian assured me. Guffaws greeted … [Read more...] about Covenantal Theology for the Anglican Communion
Catholic and Apostolic
TLC editor Christopher Wells writes in a column for Anglican Communion News Service: The communion of Christians and churches is a journey of faithfulness over time, on two counts: because the Christian life is corporate, and because we are called by God not just once in a flash of conversion but to sustained growth in obedience. Following St Paul (see Romans 5:3-4), St … [Read more...] about Catholic and Apostolic
Consequences Return
The Primates’ Meeting reached a consensus Oct. 3 that the Scottish Episcopal Church should face the same consequences as the U.S.-based Episcopal Church for its decision to permit same-sex marriages. At their last gathering in January 2016, the primates required “that for a period of three years the Episcopal Church no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, … [Read more...] about Consequences Return
Meet Andy Lines, Bishop-designate
Adapted from GAFCON Archbishop Foley Beach of the Anglican Church in North America, speaking on behalf of GAFCON’s Primates Council, has introduced the Rev. Andy Lines as the global group’s designated Missionary Bishop to Scotland. Here are Archbishop Foley’s remarks, lightly edited, from a news conference on June 8. I speak to you today as the Archbishop and Primate of … [Read more...] about Meet Andy Lines, Bishop-designate
Idowu-Fearon on Scots’ Vote
Adapted from ACNS The Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, has issued this statement regarding the Scottish Episcopal Church’s vote to approve same-sex marriage: The churches of the Anglican Communion are autonomous and free to make their own decisions on canon law. The Scottish Episcopal Church is one of 38, soon to be 39, provinces … [Read more...] about Idowu-Fearon on Scots’ Vote
Another ‘I Do’
The Scottish Episcopal Church reports: The General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church today voted in favour of altering the church’s Canon on Marriage to remove the definition that marriage is between a man and a woman and add a new section that acknowledges that there are different understandings of marriage which now allows clergy to solemnise marriage between same sex … [Read more...] about Another ‘I Do’