The other day, I noted on Twitter that Archbishop Robert Duncan of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) recently stated that he wants ACNA to be "a people who look recognizably Anglican". So I posted a survey question:
Here are the results for what it's worth. Perhaps the community which identifies with ACNA will find these thoughts helpful:
- Scripture, reason and tradition must return as the touchstones of our actions. In the late 20th century the Episcopal Church learned to use reason to spite scripture and tradition. Learn from their mistakes!
- How about more people of color (who aren't Global South Primates) in leadership of the ACNA?
- Encourage new churches to try singing in parts. Have hymnals which make this possible. Congregations which exercise discipline from the very beginning learn to sing in parts, and it's truly beautiful. The congregation itself can then be the parish's main choir. This is also beautiful theologically since it recognizes our diversity in the body of Christ.
- Bring back intelligent, thoughtful and meaningful hymn lyrics that express the depth of our understanding of Christianity. Get rid of vain and repetitive "praise" songs.
- Stop saying "And also with you". "And with thy spirit" expresses the elegance and solemnity that is Anglicanism.
- Anglicans, even Americans are intelligent enough to understand basic Elizabethan english. There is no real reason to dumb it down to America's low standards.
- The church of the Victorian age engaged in a moderation that frowned on passionate conviction of any kind. Don't go back there. Believe it or not, there is a difference between Victorian culture and Anglican culture.
- 28 BCP, no women ordained, gently move currently "ordained" women into deaconess positions if they so desire
- Testimonies after church, not during. Also, what's with that awkward group encounter thing called "The Peace" right in the middle of the Eucharist?
- The genius of Anglicanism has been to allow different theological temperaments to worship alongside one other, united by common prayer. Unfortunately, there is no longer a common prayer. It's different every time and in every parish.
- Build and/or preserve classic Church buildings.
- Clergy could wear attire that would suggest they are priests and deacons of the church.
- No talking before the service starts. The Holy Spirit of God is trying to get in a word edgewise.
By the way, I take no responsibility for any of this except of course for the three items which are my own. I'm particularly interested in #7 which suggests that everything one associates with "Anglicanism" is not necessarily Anglican but rather an affectation of culture.
Thank you all for your participation.
Hudson Barton - Anglicans In The Wilderness