To be in Oxford, challenged by the rigour of a prestigious University town and teaching bright and energetic students gives me some hope for the Church of England.
Read moreWhen we speak of being "in communion" what exactly do we mean? If being "in communion" simply means being on good terms with another Church then isn't it simply a case of learning to be tolerant, accepting, dare I say 'inclusive' of each other? However, what if being "in communion" actually means something much deeper?
Read moreIn its ratification of the Theological Statement of the Common Cause Partnership the Anglican Mission accepted the 1662 Prayer Book as a doctrinal standard and the 1662 Prayer Book, with the Books that preceded it, as a worship standard. This means that the services of the 1662 Prayer Book and the doctrine expressed in them have at least on paper normative status.
Read more1987 - New Westminster diocesan synod urges congregations to undertake study on sexuality.
1988 - International Lambeth Conference of bishops calls for further study of homosexuality.
Read moreTHIS is the sort of language that traumatised generations. Such graphic injunctions about sin and its consequences (this was the most famous description of hell since Dante's Inferno) terrified countless young men and women, particularly those who were Catholic. Considerable determination, ingenuity and often cruelty went into "protecting" people from their base desires. But such efforts, however well-meaning, made the language of sin itself sinful.
Read morePart of the awesomeness of this service today is that all three orders are present here at one time and place to renew and reaffirm the sacred vows which each of us took when we were ordained. And I want to simply begin with the reminder that the first theme of what we do today is "continuity and fidelity." Continuity and fidelity. We promise to continue the apostolic ministry of Word and Sacrament as we have received it from the New Testament Church.
Read moreAn Anglican Prayer Book (2008) would have benefited from a General Directions for Public Worship section with a note pointing to the attention of users of the book that where a certain posture is particularly appropriate, it is indicated but these directions are suggestions only. Such a note would have helped to give the book the kind of flexibility needed for the wide variety of circumstances in which Anglican Mission congregations are worshiping.
Read moreAccording to the Templeton Foundation, which has awarded its prize for Progress toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities for 35 years, Professor Heller's research has "pushed at the metaphysical horizons of science". The prize money is adjusted every year so that it remains greater than the amount given by the Nobel Foundation, which awards the Nobel prizes.
Read moreThe theology of The St. Andrew's Draft can be seen throughout the document, but it is especially prominent in the introduction which, in the words of the document itself, presents a "fuller theological rationale."(1) That rationale grounds the Anglican Communion in the communion of the three Persons of the Trinity.
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