As you probably know, there's been quite a bit of news generated around Pope Benedict's recent announcement. I've read quite a few articles and blog posts about this news. Some predict Anglicanism is basically finished. I don't follow that line of thinking . . .
There is no doubt that the Anglican Communion has its own set of challenges to deal with. I get that. I don't know how things will eventually turn out but I remain hopeful about the future of Anglicanism.
I remain hopeful because I see Anglicans planting churches and spreading the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. My parish, Saint Patrick's Anglican Church, is a six year old church plant. I look around and I see other Anglican churches being planted around Kentucky and Ohio. I read about the mission of the AMiA and I am encouraged by its desire to reach the 150 million people who have yet to respond to the Gospel of our Lord in the US and Canada. Say what you will but there is a LOT of church planting going on. I believe this has to be good for the Kingdom and for the future of Anglicanism.
I'm hopeful because I see new Anglican Christians growing in the faith and taking seriously the call to holiness. Our parish is full of people who are interested in ancient spiritual practices like praying the office or lectio divina. Spiritual practices have proved immensely helpful to me so I'm really happy to see a parish that regularly teaches its people about how to live as Christians. Anglicanism isn't afraid to tap into ancient spiritual practices.
I'm hopeful because I believe Anglicanism is uniquely positioned to reach many Protestants who are looking for something that connects them to the ancient church. Worship in an Anglican Church looks quite different than what many Protestants have experienced. There are priests in vestments, incense (if you're fortunate!), lengthy Scripture readings, the Eucharist, and lots of written prayers and responses. None of that is by accident. I like how Mark Galli describes it in his wonderful book called Beyond Smells and Bells:
In an individualistic culture, the liturgy helps us live a communal life. In a culture that values spontaneity, the liturgy grounds us in something enduring. In a culture that assumes that truth is a product of the mind, the liturgy helps us experience truth in both mind and body. In a world demanding instant relevance, the liturgy gives us the patience to live into a relevance that the world does not know. Its counter-intuitive nature makes the liturgy appear culturally strange at first, but in fact it's more like an intriguing story, full of mystery, that not only attracts but shapes our perceptions and our lives. (p. 11).
I've grown to love and cherish Anglicanism. God has used it to change my life. For that, I'm grateful. I don't believe one has to be Anglican to be Christian but I do believe that Anglicanism is a wonderful way to live out one's Christianity. May God bless its future.
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.
