It's Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat to be Anglican!

[ContraMundum]

Let's use this thread to say something positive about Anglicanism to encourage each other and share the good things we have!

[ContraMundum]

So, I'll start- I LOVE the BCP! All versions. Every time I read it, I admire the language, the theology, the flexibility and of course the convenient size! :)

Whenever I hear it criticised by its detractors, I feel the need to study Cranmer, pray the Office and get a prison-style tatoo on my back that says "1662"

[gtsecc]

We have the best hymns of anyone of any religion, Christian or non-Christian, in the entire known universe.

[karen freeinchristman]

I love the fact that Anglicanism accepts questioning!

[ContraMundum]

I love the fact that our churches are generally not gaudy and/or garish in design or decoration, are not overly ornate nor are they void of beauty, and almost always places that bring the word "reverance" to mind upon entering.

[AngCath]

Here are the two highlights of Anglicanism in my book:

Scripture, Tradition, Reason
the most beautiful approach to theology imaginable

The Book of Common Prayer
a treasury of prayers unlike any other

[gtsecc]

English aesthetics > Byzantine aesthetics > Roman aesthetics > > > > > > > > > > > > > protestant eschewing of aesthetics as detracting from the focus on God

[karen freeinchristman]

Yeah, Scripture, Tradition, and Reason! :thumbsup: :clap:

[Wiffey]

Reverence and beautiful prayers & liturgy, the BCP is wonderful, hymns that touch the soul.

Warmth and welcome, profound spirituality that lifts one up to God while embracing what it means to be fully human. Joy! The ability to love one another as members of the body of Christ while respecting our diversity. The brilliant balance of scripture, tradition and reason...

And the loving invitation to all Baptized Christians to share the Eucharist! :thumbsup:

(BTW...check out the faith icon. Looks good, no?)

[karen freeinchristman]

(BTW...check out the faith icon. Looks good, no?)

Sure does, Wiffey! :)

[Colabomb]

We have the best hymns of anyone of any religion, Christian or non-Christian, in the entire known universe.
Wellllllll opinions vary.

I love anglicanism in everything EXCEPT its hymns.

[Colabomb]

Sure does, Wiffey! :)
An orthodox lady designed it for us.

[AngCath]

I forgot to mention our open Communion Table! One of the few places all Christians can come together is at an Anglican Eucharistic Feast.

[Colabomb]

I forgot to mention our open Communion Table! One of the few places all Christians can come together is at an Anglican Eucharistic Feast.
HalleluJah!

[higgs2]

What a terrrific thread! And I would like to add that I am so pleased to be a part of this online community. I am quite fond of all of the Anglicans here, those who agree with me and those who probably think I'm a heretic!

The really delightful thing about the Anglican Church is *Anglicans*!

:)

[AngCath]

The really delightful thing about the Anglican Church is *Anglicans*! AMEN to that!

[Fish and Bread]

The really delightful thing about the Anglican Church is *Anglicans*!

:)

Agreed. :)

[TomUK]

It's great that Anglicanism gives us the freedom to disagree with each other.

[Wiffey]

The really delightful thing about the Anglican Church is *Anglicans*!

:)

Well said!:clap: Certainly, I've never felt so welcomed anywhere else. The parishioners at my church take hospitality seriously...they seek to embody Christ's love to all who enter.

[Inside Edge]

The liturgy. Best of all churches, I think.

[artrx]

Reverence and beautiful prayers & liturgy...
Warmth and welcome, profound spirituality that lifts one up to God while embracing what it means to be fully human. Joy! The ability to love one another as members of the body of Christ while respecting our diversity. The brilliant balance of scripture, tradition and reason...

And the loving invitation to all Baptized Christians to share the Eucharist!

(BTW...check out the faith icon. Looks good, no?)

:thumbsup:
I also second the comments on accepting questioning and the freedom to disagree- without condemnation. I feel the Episcopal church lets God be God, and is humble before him/her.

Wellllllll opinions vary.

I love anglicanism in everything EXCEPT its hymns.

I'll have to partially agree. I really miss some of the old hymns I grew up on in the brethren/baptist churches, as well as the congregation singing in 4-part harmony.

[masuwerte]

I agree with just about everything that has been said here. I really like the BCP, the hymns, the architecture, open communion and also the ordination of women.

This might sound selfish or egocentric, but one thing I like about the Episcopal church is that it's my background, my heritage. I'm a cradle Episcopalian, and that's as important to me as, let's say, my native language, my nationality or my hometown.

[IowaLutheran]

What I love about the Anglican church:

- It is Catholic, but not Roman
- Lex orandi, Lex credendi prevail over emphasis on exact agreement on the minutae of theology
- C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright
- The Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral has been the most realistic framework for Christian reunion ever offered. It covers the basics of Catholic Christendom and requires agreement on those basics but does not demand complete submission on every last detail.

[ContraMundum]

It's great that Anglicanism gives us the freedom to disagree with each other.

NO IT ISNT'! *chuckles* hehehe

I couldn't resist. :D

[CSMR]

Let's use this thread to say something positive about Anglicanism to encourage each other and share the good things we have!
It's missionary history which has brought the gospel around the world and also made the church an international one.

[pjw]

although i'm not anglican, what i like best about anglicanism is the BCP, it's the most balanced liturgy, IMO

[AngCath]

awsome, thanks for the props pjw!

[higgs2]

awsome, thanks for the props pjw!

What are you doing running around in your skivvies?! :eek: :D


Edited to say, you either just got dressed, or the clothes thingie is really slow today. :sorry:

[AngCath]

you caught me!

[higgs2]

you caught me!
CF needs to provide dressing rooms! :D

[AngCath]

CF needs to provide dressing rooms! :D

and take away the free shows?!?! :P

[SeenAndUnseen]

- It is Catholic, but not Roman


I'll second that. It's one of the best things about being Anglican.

[pjw]

i also have a great admiration for thomas cranmer.

[Incubator]

I don't know whether this aspect naturally occurs due to Anglicanism or is just by chance, but there are so many extraordinary thinkers from the Anglican tradition. It is a bit surprising from a denomination that doesn't have a huge amount of practicing members. Francis Bacon, John Locke, C.S. Lewis, Alister McGrath, T.S. Eliot...the list goes on and on and I wonder whether their religious convictions played any part in their work.

[Simon_Templar]

I think Anglicanism finds a wonderful metaphor for its strengths in the BCP... the BCP is beautiful and elegant without being gaudy and overstated. It is reverent without being stuffy or discordant with every day life. It is powerful and true, without being exclusive and divisive.

[Tetzel]

The best thing about Anglicanism IMO, is that if I were forced to be an Anglican, I could still be completely Lutheran in doctrinal matters. If the RCC or the EO's took over that wouldn't be allowed.

[Tetzel]

We have the best hymns of anyone of any religion, Christian or non-Christian, in the entire known universe.
You have an unfair advantage as your hymn tradition is in the same language you speak today. I love the Lutheran hymns, but when going from Swedish, Norwegian, and German into English they don't always keep so well.

[Fish and Bread]

You have an unfair advantage as your hymn tradition is in the same language you speak today. I love the Lutheran hymns, but when going from Swedish, Norwegian, and German into English they don't always keep so well.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God holds up wonderfully. :) Actually, amusingly enough I was at a Roman Catholic mass today and flipped through their hymnal and guess what I found? Even they sing A Mighty Fortesss. :) I guess excommunication isn't a bar to having one's songs included in the hymnal. ;)

[SirTimothy]

Ironically though it took until Benedict XVI (who's a classical pianist of no mean standard) to get Bach's music playing in the Vatican. Bach being a Lutheran... I believe His Holiness insisted. :)

Timothy

[ContraMundum]

The best thing about Anglicanism IMO, is that if I were forced to be an Anglican, I could still be completely Lutheran in doctrinal matters. If the RCC or the EO's took over that wouldn't be allowed.

That's me in a nutshell. I'm very influenced by Lutheran theology, having spent some time in a Lutheran sem before swimming the channel so to speak. I still read Lutheran theology and the Confessions regularly and my mentor is a Lutheran pastor.

[SirTimothy]

You're a Methodistish Lutheranistic Anglican priest, Contra? That's impressive...

Timothy

[ContraMundum]

You're a Methodistish Lutheranistic Anglican priest, Contra? That's impressive...

Timothy

I'm pretty greedy for the good things of God. :)

I eat the meat and spit out the bones, and I dine out a lot. ;)

I'm Anglican, first and foremost, but I'm Lutheran in much of my theology, and Methodist in my lifestyle and doctrine of sanctification. I couldn't handle the Lutherans (no offence friends) because the ones I hung around with had no doctrine of sanctification and were legalistic (but I know better ones now- and I love them!), and I think Wesley was an Anglican so I don't think Methodism and Anglicanism are even remotely at odds.

In fact, I don't think any of these systems are at odds. There's always some common ground to meet.

[artrx]

In fact, I don't think any of these systems are at odds. There's always some common ground to meet.

:thumbsup:

[SirTimothy]

I'm pretty greedy for the good things of God.

Me too.

Timothy (Who was quite happy to recieve the Eucharist at a methodist church in the UK recently--in fact the female minister there was the most effective of any of the ministers he met in the UK--including four anglican priests!)

[Tetzel]

That's me in a nutshell. I'm very influenced by Lutheran theology, having spent some time in a Lutheran sem before swimming the channel so to speak. I still read Lutheran theology and the Confessions regularly and my mentor is a Lutheran pastor.

I have detected a Lutheran streak in you before, I guess my Lutheran-dar was correct.

[Naomi4Christ]

I'm pretty greedy for the good things of God. :)

I eat the meat and spit out the bones, and I dine out a lot. ;)

I'm Anglican, first and foremost, but I'm Lutheran in much of my theology, and Methodist in my lifestyle and doctrine of sanctification. I couldn't handle the Lutherans (no offence friends) because the ones I hung around with had no doctrine of sanctification and were legalistic (but I know better ones now- and I love them!), and I think Wesley was an Anglican so I don't think Methodism and Anglicanism are even remotely at odds.

In fact, I don't think any of these systems are at odds. There's always some common ground to meet.

I didn't realise you were ordained...(not that that makes a difference to me :) )

[ContraMundum]

Thank you all for the kind words and interest.

[dragon79]

Its great indeed to be part of this Church. I grew up in Roman Catholic schools and parishes, but since two years i found my spiritual home within Anglicanism, i appreciate the tolerant spirit, the openminded dialogues, the great role played by laymen and laywomen. Really proud to be part.

[AngCath]

great to hear it dragon

[TomUK]

Its great indeed to be part of this Church. I grew up in Roman Catholic schools and parishes, but since two years i found my spiritual home within Anglicanism, i appreciate the tolerant spirit, the openminded dialogues, the great role played by laymen and laywomen. Really proud to be part.

Spot on.

Good to see you round the forum!

:wave:

[RevJudith]

Hi Guys,

Fabulous to see something positive about the Anglican church for a change. I personally love being an Anglican, was brought up in this church, wandered about a bit in my teens and early twenties, until the Lord finally brought me 'home' again. I love being an Anglican for many reasons but especialloy I love the sense of belonging to something which is at one and the same time both a 'local' church and a global one. Many churches have only localised membership but for Anglicans, we belong to a worldwide communion and can truly say "I belong to the same church as Desmond Tutu!"

By the way, to the person who mentioned N T wright - he's my bishop and a wonderful leader.

Thanks for letting me join the thread. God bless. Judith. <'))))><

[karen freeinchristman]

By the way, to the person who mentioned N T wright - he's my bishop and a wonderful leader.

Thanks for letting me join the thread. God bless. Judith. <'))))><

Another Brit to join STR!! :clap:

Welcome, RevJudith! :wave:

[Naomi4Christ]

Welcome Judith!

[higgs2]

Welcome, glad to have you here on STR!

I don't mean to pry, but is the Rev part of your name referring to your vocation?

I hope you will like it here, it's a nice place with a lot of really good people.

[Fish and Bread]

Hi Guys,

Fabulous to see something positive about the Anglican church for a change. I personally love being an Anglican, was brought up in this church, wandered about a bit in my teens and early twenties, until the Lord finally brought me 'home' again. I love being an Anglican for many reasons but especialloy I love the sense of belonging to something which is at one and the same time both a 'local' church and a global one. Many churches have only localised membership but for Anglicans, we belong to a worldwide communion and can truly say "I belong to the same church as Desmond Tutu!"

By the way, to the person who mentioned N T wright - he's my bishop and a wonderful leader.

Thanks for letting me join the thread. God bless. Judith. <'))))><

Welcome Father Judith! It's wonderful to have another poster and (I'm guessing from the username) another priest around. I think you're the fourth or the fifth priest we have who is open about his/her vocation (Plus a lot of postulants). It's always great to get the perspective of someone who has the theological background to really know what she's talking about. :)

[TomUK]

Hi Guys,

Fabulous to see something positive about the Anglican church for a change. I personally love being an Anglican, was brought up in this church, wandered about a bit in my teens and early twenties, until the Lord finally brought me 'home' again. I love being an Anglican for many reasons but especialloy I love the sense of belonging to something which is at one and the same time both a 'local' church and a global one. Many churches have only localised membership but for Anglicans, we belong to a worldwide communion and can truly say "I belong to the same church as Desmond Tutu!"

By the way, to the person who mentioned N T wright - he's my bishop and a wonderful leader.

Thanks for letting me join the thread. God bless. Judith. <'))))><

A very warm welcome to the forum! :wave:

[Colabomb]

Judith has a male icon guys.

welcome judith.

[Fish and Bread]

Judith has a male icon guys.

welcome judith.

:blush: *Quickly edits post to replace 'Mother' with 'Father'*

Bishop Wright is a wonderful writer, by the way. It must be an honor to be in his diocese.

[karen freeinchristman]

Judith has a male icon guys.

welcome judith.

Hmm... now that is a mystery. :confused:

Maybe she'll come back and explain why?

[Naomi4Christ]

I think it is probably just a mistake with the profile setting

[RevJudith]

Hi Again.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Mystery solved - I am female - just a problem with the profile settings which I shall endeavour to correct - thanks for pointing that out.

Yes, I am a Priest. I have been ordained a little over 6 years. Served my curacy in the Lake District before traversing the Penninse for the North East. I've been here a little over a year now and am loving it. Bp Tom is wonderful, in person and in his books, and a terrific encourager.

[RevJudith]

oops - Pennines*

[Naomi4Christ]

Hi Again.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Mystery solved - I am female - just a problem with the profile settings which I shall endeavour to correct - thanks for pointing that out.

Yes, I am a Priest. I have been ordained a little over 6 years. Served my curacy in the Lake District before traversing the Penninse for the North East. I've been here a little over a year now and am loving it. Bp Tom is wonderful, in person and in his books, and a terrific encourager.

I've been looking at his website. He is a prolific writer. Where does he get the time to be a bishop?

Nice to have you here, Judith. I hope you have time to add a few C of E opinions.

I hope it is not too rude to ask, but can you give us a clue to your churchmanship? :)

[SirTimothy]

It's great to be anglican because we can have a scruffy-looking Archbishop (surely this'd be a better place to discuss his grooming? <EG>)

Timothy

[higgs2]

It's great to be anglican because we can have a scruffy-looking Archbishop (surely this'd be a better place to discuss his grooming? <EG>)

Timothy
a cute scruffy looking archbishop. :)

[RevJudith]

a cute scruffy looking archbishop. :)
a cute-scruffy-looking-very-intelligent Archbishop!
:-)

[KarenJoy]

hi dear friends

I found this thread to day. My name is Karen and last summer I started to fellowship at a local Evangelical Charismatic Anglican Church. I have never been so settled anywhere, I'm learning so much and drawing close to the Lord, it's truly wonderful.

[Naomi4Christ]

Welcome to CF, Karen.

I attend an Evangelical Anglican church, but we only get charasmatic a couple of times a year - for example, at our house party.

I hope you stick around here. :)

[TomUK]

hi dear friends

I found this thread to day. My name is Karen and last summer I started to fellowship at a local Evangelical Charismatic Anglican Church. I have never been so settled anywhere, I'm learning so much and drawing close to the Lord, it's truly wonderful.

Welcome!

On the whole we're not a particularly charismatic bunch at STR, so it's great to have you here!

[KarenJoy]

Welcome to CF, Karen.

I attend an Evangelical Anglican church, but we only get charasmatic a couple of times a year - for example, at our house party.

I hope you stick around here. :)


Thanks Naomi

We have two serrvices on a morning in order to accomodate everyone, so it has to stick to time.
But in the evening people are frequently encouraged to share testimonies and prophecies. etc And also at the end of most evening services people can go forward for ministry if they need to. It is quiet but really powerful, i am so blessed to be a part of this lovely fellowship.

[KarenJoy]

Welcome!

On the whole we're not a particularly charismatic bunch at STR, so it's great to have you here!

Thanks for the welcome Tom

I look forward to get to know you all

[Naomi4Christ]

Thanks Naomi

We have two serrvices on a morning in order to accomodate everyone, so it has to stick to time.
But in the evening people are frequently encouraged to share testimonies and prophecies. etc And also at the end of most evening services people can go forward for ministry if they need to. It is quiet but really powerful, i am so blessed to be a part of this lovely fellowship.

That's probably not too different from ours. Our evening services are very informal and flexible, they have and almost unplanned feeling to them. We do have ministry after each service.

[KarenJoy]

That's probably not too different from ours. Our evening services are very informal and flexible, they have and almost unplanned feeling to them. We do have ministry after each service.

Yes they sound similar

[Naomi4Christ]

Feel free to join in any of the other discussions we are having here at the moment. It would be great to get your point of view in order to bring much needed balance to the forum.

[karen freeinchristman]

Feel free to join in any of the other discussions we are having here at the moment. It would be great to get your point of view in order to bring much needed balance to the forum.

Yes, a charismatic viewpoint would be a great addition to our debates/discussions! Just don't let anyone here intimidate you. Even if some of these guys seem highly intellectual, they are only children of God like the rest of us!

[Naomi4Christ]

Even if some of these guys seem highly intellectual, they are only children of God like the rest of us!

Where I come from, we call it fur coat and nae knickers :D

[karen freeinchristman]

Where I come from, we call it fur coat and nae knickers :D

great expression, and so accurate!!! :o

[Naomi4Christ]

Yes, it's one of my favourites. :)

[KarenJoy]

Yes, a charismatic viewpoint would be a great addition to our debates/discussions! Just don't let anyone here intimidate you. Even if some of these guys seem highly intellectual, they are only children of God like the rest of us!

Hi Karen
It's great to meet you
Yes, I'm just learning about the gifts of the Holy Spirit so please guys be gentle with me.

[Naomi4Christ]

so please guys be gentle with me.

That's expecting a bit much :D

[karen freeinchristman]

Hi Karen
It's great to meet you
Yes, I'm just learning about the gifts of the Holy Spirit so please guys be gentle with me.

:wave:

You know, we all need to learn more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and put them into practice! We should all be charismatic, in the true sense of the word, because the Holy Spirit is what Jesus promised to send for all of our benefit, and for the building of his church and his Kingdom. That person of the trinity is not only reserved for some, it is for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Naomi4Christ]

:wave:

You know, we all need to learn more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and put them into practice! We should all be charismatic, in the true sense of the word, because the Holy Spirit is what Jesus promised to send for all of our benefit, and for the building of his church and his Kingdom. That person of the trinity is not only reserved for some, it is for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Absolutely.

At the Ecusa church I worshipped in in the USA - which was Anglo Catholic by my standards - there were a couple of dusty 80-somethings that were completely on fire and very much into charasmatic worship. Apparently, it was a style of worship that was commonplace in the 30s and 40s, but was lost in more recent times. These ladies were my biggest supporters as I launched an Alpha course and an informal service.

[higgs2]

a cute-scruffy-looking-very-intelligent Archbishop!
:-)
No argument there :thumbsup:

[Wiffey]

Happy Birthday, Higgs!

[pmcleanj]

Welcome!

On the whole we're not a particularly charismatic bunch at STR, so it's great to have you here!
But Tom, I find all of you remarkably charismatic.;)

[higgs2]

Happy Birthday, Higgs!

Thanks, Wiffey :)

[kiwimac]

Always nice to have another Priest about!

Kiwimac

[RevJudith]

Hi Agina,

You guys have been busy overnight! There were only 6 pages last time I looked! :-)

Happy Birthday Higgs2 (Sorry its late - hope it was a good one anyway)

Someone asked me earlier if I would comment on my 'churchmanship'. Never an easy one for me that, but I will tell you what I said to my Bishop a few years ago......
"I think I know what I am now. I'm an AngloCatholicCharismaticEvangelical with deeply Celtic roots"

He laughed! And then he said,
"Thats all very well, but it makes it difficult to work out where to send you."

Maybe that's why I'm now in another diocese and working in a very peculiar church. Ahhh well..... we are told to be 'a peculiar people' arent we? :-D