Traditional Anglicans Grow in Influence
Despite unresolved controversies over homosexuality in the church, the head of a traditionalist group within the US Episcopal Church said Anglicanism is heading toward a theologically orthodox and spiritually vibrant future.
Despite unresolved controversies over homosexuality in the church, the head of a traditionalist group within the US Episcopal Church said Anglicanism is heading toward a theologically orthodox and spiritually vibrant future.
In statements made during the Anglican Communion Network’s Mid-Atlantic Convocation conference in Woodbridge, Va., Bishop Robert Duncan explained that traditional Anglicans have gained “lots of triumphs” in the past few months.
In particular, Duncan pointed out he “stunning triumph” gained internationally when Anglican Primates worldwide called on the US and Canadian Anglican churches to halt gay “marriage” blessings and ordinations or face a break in fellowship.
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However Duncan cautioned that these developments won’t come without a cost, according to ACN.
“Already, in the wake of the Primates’ historic affirmation of mainstream Anglicanism, many who disagree are targeting orthodox minorities for persecution,” ACN wrote in a statement.
“Unfortunately, in between surviving and thriving is suffering,” Duncan was quoted as saying. “God will use the days ahead as we struggle and suffer.”
The ACN was formed by traditional and orthodox Anglicans last year in response to the Episcopal Church USA’s ordination of an open and active gay bishop and has since gained the support of traditional Anglicans across the nation.
The ACN has two main goals, according to Duncan.
“I think what the Lord wants for us is that we learn to work better with our Common Cause partners,” Bishop Duncan said. I think God is going to break that spirit in us as we go through this very hard time.”
Second, the ACN has to take a greater role in organizing and rallying support from the “sleeping giant” of the church – the laity.
“Turtullian says the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Let’s accept our vocations to be martyrs, witnesses,” the bishop said. “Courage breeds courage. Remember those words from Plano? Brothers and sisters, courage is what is being asked of us just now
