The Future of Anglicanism and The Episcopal Church
Dear Friends,
The 'nature of authority' and 'biblical interpretation' were 'hot button' issues
long before the consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. 'Homosexuality'
and 'same sex committed relationships' did not start the intense discussion
so much as did the ways in which theworld began changing decades ago. The crisis
began when simultaneously we experienced a shrinking of the world and the shaking
of a world-view.Simply put, technological advances in science, communication
and transportation heralded a small world in which the diverse peoples of the
globe would get along better. Yet, as that smaller world arrived inreal time,
virtually rubbing elbows with other cultures minimized and relativized the absolute
sway of any one particular worldview.
For those who were accustomed to their worldview being dominant, such change
has been (and is) threatening. If we all take a deep breath, though, and allow
The Spirit its due, the 'threat' will dissipate during the time we take getting
to know each other. It is a small world, after all--whether you are an American
Christian trying to better understand an Afghani Muslim or you are a heterosexual
person trying to make some sense for yourself of gayand lesbian people. The
challenge is to move beyond crisis being defined by fear and, instead, remember
that crisis literally means opportunity.
Yes, these are uncertain times in the world and in the church. But do uncertain
times have to mean that things are 'breaking apart'? Can it not mean that we
are living a 'breakthrough' to a better world? Technological advances only set
the stage. The actors, people of faith who are willing to take risks-- getting
to know the 'other' -- are the bridge builders spanning the chasms of fear and
polarization. The earth might be big enough for north and south poles. But the
world is too small for "us" and "them".
Our heritage as Episcopal Christians in the Anglican tradition is rich with
bridge building experience. This is why our national church and local parishes,
as well as our international brothers and sisters in Christ, can weather the
current storm and emerge even more resilient and equipped for ministry that
spans and embraces the world and all the peoples therein. In light of this calling,
Episcopalians must avoid preoccupation with the hot buttons and instead get
to the core of what really are the bedrock issues for faithful living now and
into the future:
• Recovering/Reshaping our Mythos and Ethos
Almost two generations of people whose families had formerly been Christian
are presently undereducated or ignorant when it comes to living the Gospel Life.
The basic story of our faith is hazy, forgotten or unknown for so many. A number
ofthese good people, like children of the exile, are coming back, seeking. We
need strong, creative programs of faith formation for children, youth and adults
that invite people into Christ and community.
• Communities of Care/Communities that care
Yes, it is crucial to see that the world has changed and continues to become
less like what we might have thought it was. Globalization gives us the world
village on the one hand, but multidimensional complexity on the other. Therefore,
we need to develop and support strong, caring and open smaller communities on
the local level in which people can feel safe and 'at home' while also being
educated and trained for faithful living and transformational leadership in
the world.
• Interfaith and Transcultural Communion
The devastation of the atomic bomb and World War II spurred ecumenical vision
and action in the last halfof the 20th Century. Now, after September 11th, we
need to live into Isaiah's vision of all the nations flowing to that One whom
people name differentlybut Who is One for all people. In the Name of this One,
for Christ's sake, let us risk with hearts to embrace all others and with eyes
to see the truth in each other's faith traditions.
Yes, even in these uncertain times, there is good reason to hope, pray and work
for the upbuilding of the Church. It is too small a thing that we just repair
the strains and stresses within our communion. For the heritage of our Anglican
Tradition, with its global perspective and respect for local communities, is
well suited to the challenges of the 21st century world.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas Reese