shelbybark

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The Bishop as Benchmark

This article from Roger Salter+ was in one of St. Matthews’ recent bulletins. I could not get a hold of the original digital copy, so I handled it the old-fashioned way, I retyped it. Any typos are most likely mine. I thought it was fantastic.

For many of us who are Anglicans both by conviction and through careful comparison with other equally valid Christian traditions there is the heartfelt yearning that Anglicanism should once again be a powerful force for witness and mission in the modern world and in the future. Beyond the present turmoil and discouragements we hope to see a well defined reconstituted Anglicanism firmly founded in Holy Scripture and loyal to the guidelines of Reformational theology which is the truest and purest presentation of catholic belief and piety. Anglicanism is the product of the selection and refinement of the best thought and insights culled from the Christian centuries and compiled in the Book of Common Prayer 1662. The minds of our founders were drenched with Holy Scripture. They were well researched in the history, belief, and conduct of the early church and subsequent eras. They wholeheartedly embraced the Reformation and they have bequeathed to Christians of every generation since a solid foundation for doctrine, discipleship, and devotion. Anglicanism is neither perfect nor suited to everyone, but is a version of Christian conviction and life that is satisfying to many, and eager to co-operate with all who love the gospel and long for the universal recognition of the supremacy of Christ. It holds forth a heritage and an approach to pastoral care in preaching, teaching, worship, and fellowship that is enormously reassuring and enabling for countless souls, and within the Anglican framework there is a content, ambience, and balance in the thins of God that displays a wisdom conducive to the spiritual well-being of all those who place themselves within the ambit of Anglican care. Head, heart, and human need may be well ministered to through the resources of historic Anglicanism. It is a communion of believers that exists to the glory of God and for the good of humankind. Therefore its service is twofold — worship and witness. Anglicanism would worship God worthily as its main occupation and preach Christ fervently as its chief act of compassion toward fellow men. To bring mankind to the knowledge of God in this life, and to put them in possession of eternal life is the mission of Anglicanism expressed frequently and liturgically in the Prayer of St Chrysostom.