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Classical Anglicanism

I haven’t posted an article of Roger’s in a while. This was in Easter’s bulletin.

CLASSICAL ANGLICANISM

Contributing Characters and Conclusions

The gulf between classical Anglicanism and contemporary Anglicanism widens as the modern variety continues to jettison everything precious and true bequeathed to us in the rich and solid heritage established and confirmed throughout the years of the 16th century and the first decades of the 17th century. The Anglicanism of the Book of Common Prayer is an adroit amalgam of various influences that cause the original faith of the Church of England and its offshoots to be at once the worthy preserver of true Catholicism (as so ably argued by Bishop John Jewel in his Apology), the admirable advocate of the insights of Reformational thought, and an ideal paradigm for biblical ecumenism. The Cranmerian compendium of doctrine and devotion has achieved much more, perhaps, than its contributors could possibly have envisaged. Rather than being due for redundancy the BCP is more necessary and more beneficial than ever. Setting it aside has cost Anglicanism its soul and deprived it of its power and integrity for the fulfillment of its crucial mission. The blend of influences within the BCP sums up the finest attainments in Christian thought and piety to Cranmer?s time, and provides a pattern for belief, worship, and ministry that will be valid for generations to come.