The Traditional Anglican Communion formed in 1990 as an association of orthodox Anglicans concerned about what they considered the liberal tilt in Anglican churches, including the ordination of women. Members of the group are generally Anglo-Catholic, emphasizing continuity with Catholic tradition and the importance of the sacraments. The fellowship says it has spread to 41 countries and has 400,000 members, although only about half are regular churchgoers.
The traditional group aims to unify the Anglican and Catholic churches, according to Archbishop John Hepworth of Australia, who is the leader, or primate, of the Traditional Anglican Communion. They have accepted the ministry of the pope, but also want to maintain their Anglican traditions _ one of several potential impediments to unification. ...
The head of that Vatican office, Cardinal William Levada, wrote Hepworth in July 2008, saying he was giving "serious attention" to the TAC's proposal. But he noted that the situation within the broader Anglican Communion, with which the Vatican has an official dialogue, had "become markedly more complex." The Anglican Communion is on the brink of schism because of internal rifts over how it should interpret what the Bible says about gay relationships and other issues.
The article helpfully notes the historical origins of the Anglican church.
Anglicans split with Rome in 1534 when English King Henry VIII was refused a marriage annulment.
The Anglican Church was originally formed to provide religious protection to a heterodox sexual relationship. And now, the worldwide Anglican Communion is in dissray over the role of women and same sex relationships. It is not an exaggeration to predict the complete collapse of the Anglican church, with the remnants joining Rome. The delicious historical irony!
No comments:
Post a Comment