Preface
There are many Anglicans who make bold to say that they are “a Christians who happens to be Anglican”. Such a statement often begs the question as to what is the intention and motivation of the individual in making such an assertion. At best it may be perceived as an affirmation of one’s identity as a Christian, as distinct from any other religious identity or atheism. At the same time, it is premised on an assertion that to be Anglican is to be not intrinsically Christian, but something which is tangentially related and not in conflict with one’s profession of the Christian faith.
On the other hand, there is the reality of those who would claim with all earnestness the fact that they are “cradle Anglicans” but are unable to offer any clear statement of what it means to be an Anglican, apart from the fact that they worship in the Anglican Church and have no intention of ever leaving.
The assertion “Christian who happens to be Anglican”, betrays a lack of understanding of what it means to be Anglican and is often a way of pandering to a prevailing dominant religious culture which alleges that Anglicans are not “saved” and as such are not Christians, as we do not speak of our faith in the same language and tones as they do, neither is our liturgical way of worship consistent with their worship expressions. To that extent, the assertion of being “Christian who happens to be Anglican” may be either a reflection of naivety in relation to what it means to be Anglican, or succumbing to the definitions of others regarding our approach to our commitment to Christ, and how our discipleship finds expression in terms of our belonging to a community of faith with whom we can journey on the pilgrimage of life.
This brochure seeks to clarify for Anglicans in fairly simple language our identity as Anglicans and the fundamental expressions and formulations of the Christian faith that define who we are. It is therefore the hope that this material will be used for the purpose of individual or group study and reflection, thereby enabling and further undergirding our commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, and as faithful members of the worldwide fellowship of Churches known as the Anglican Communion.
++Howard
