ECCLESIASTICAL TITBITS VI

ECCLESIASTICAL TITBITS VI

Lately I’ve heard and read a lot about the probable breakup of the Anglican Church. There are factions, one in particular, in the Church which appear to want their views to dominate; in fact they see their belief system as the only way and want the rest of us to conform to their ways.

I grew up in the Church, the Church of England it was in my early days but always the Province of New Zealand. It was a great experience. In it I found faith and belief, acceptance, support, fellowship, a rich liturgy and an ethos which included many shades of belief and practice. Different parishes emphasised different things and the richness and glory were there for all to relish. Each took spiritual sustenance from whatever formularies built up their faith and being. There was diversity, but it was diversity in unity. We valued one another, we enriched one another.

Everything is changing and, while change is inevitable, it is not always going in the best direction. So I was saddened to find that there are parishes which proclaim ‘this is a Mainstream Parish’ and will hear no other words of faith. Quite apart from the arrogance and misuse of the term ‘mainstream’ they have departed from New Testament Christianity. St Paul wrote to the Corinthians “… it is clear that there are serious differences among you. What I mean are all these slogans that you have, like; ‘I am for Paul’, ‘I am for Apollos’, ‘I am for Cephas”, ‘I am for Christ’. Has Christ been parcelled out? Was it Paul that was crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul?” (I Cor I: 11b-13 Jerusalem Bible)

Should any parish ever proclaim that it is ‘an AnglicanWays’ parish then it would be clear that AnglicanWays has failed to follow its principles. for AnglicanWays seeks to unify and regain the ethos of the Church It embraces all forms of the church, all styles are in its understanding and contribute to its hope for the future.



There seem many things which now divide which did not do so before. In the past we had different approaches to scripture; we had differing liturgical practices, we accepted ‘all sorts and conditions’ of people including homosexuals – we even ordained the latter without asking questions. These and many other things were not an issue. Now we are in the grip of the ‘new puritans’ who are making issues out of all these things and many others. If we want to preserve the church and its unity, we must seek to renew the tolerance and understanding that characterised the church in the past. That the Church will survive the divisiveness initiated by these factions and grow in strength and understanding, and continue to be inclusive, is my prayer.

PISCATOR

Koha

AnglicanWays does not levy a subscription. Instead it leaves it open for those who are members, or wish to be members, to make their own koha. That means that they give what they are able to give. One may give a dollar; another $50. Whatever the amount all remain equal. [ Koha is best translated into pakeha as gift.]