39 Articles Change?

[RamiC]

Am I right in thinking we know people wrote them? So could they be changed? Does anybody know of a mechanism by which they could be edited, "updated", or otherwise re-written? Also, any thoughts on the matter that people feel like sharing, please go ahead. Do they need improving?

Link to the 39

 

[Paidiske]

I cannot imagine that we would ever get a consensus throughout the Anglican communion for changing the Articles.

What tends to happen, though, is that churches differ in how they acknowledge them. In Australia, for example, clergy are still required to affirm on oath that we assent to the Articles (which means, basically, I promise to keep my public ministry within the bounds defined by the Articles). I'm told that in America, the Articles are basically treated as a historical document, rather than a standard for public teaching and worship, but other people here will be able to say more about that.

So the text of the Articles stands, but how churches affirm them, or how authoritative they are seen to be, can differ.

 

[PloverWing]

Here in the US, @Paidiske is correct that the 39 Articles appear in the "Historical Documents" section of our Prayer Book. I see there that the 1801 version of the Articles that was approved here in the US is already different from the 1571 version that preceded it. Quite naturally, references to "the King's Majesty" and "this Realm of England" were deleted. But also, the Athanasian Creed was removed from section VIII, "Of the Creeds". (The document in our Prayer Book lists both the 1801 text and the original 1571 where it differs, so it's easy to see what was changed.)

So, in 1801 it appears that the American church, at least, felt free to amend the Articles. At this point in history, though, it doesn't seem right to me to amend them further. They're a good reflection of Anglican thought at the time of the Reformation. If we want to make a different statement now, I'd prefer to draw up a brand-new, separate document. As Paidiske observed, however, it's hard to imagine coming up with enough consensus across the Anglican Communion in 2025 to create such a document. Even apart from gender and sexuality issues, we have differences coming out of the Oxford Movement. I'm uncomfortable with some of the anti-Catholic language in the Articles, but I know there are Anglicans who are much more on the Protestant-leaning end of things, and we might have trouble finding language that pleases both ends of that spectrum.

 

[PloverWing]

@RamiC : Out of curiosity, what revisions would you like to see to the Articles, or what new/different things would you like to see in a new document if the Anglican Communion (or even just the Church of England) were to draw one up?

 

[RamiC]

I cannot imagine that we would ever get a consensus throughout the Anglican communion for changing the Articles.

Yes, I can see that would be the case. However I do not even know if it is thought that a consensus, in an imaginary world in which there is a consensus, would be acceptable gounds.

So the text of the Articles stands, but how churches affirm them, or how authoritative they are seen to be, can differ.

I wonder if everybody could just be asked what their position is. I don't mean every individual, but maybe each national region. Then we would at least know what the various positions are.

Thank you for replying.

 

[Paidiske]

I wonder if everybody could just be asked what their position is. I don't mean every individual, but maybe each national region. Then we would at least know what the various positions are.

In terms of how they recieve the Articles now?

This information would be available. For example, in the Australian church, it's set out in our constitution;

"This Church, being derived from the Church of England, retains and approves the doctrine and principles of the Church of England embodied in the Book of Common Prayer together with the Form and Manner of Making Ordaining and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests and Deacons and in the Articles of Religion sometimes called the Thirty-nine Articles but has plenary authority at its own discretion to make statements as to the faith ritual ceremonial or discipline of this Church and to order its forms of worship and rules of discipline and to alter or revise such statements, forms and rules, provided that all such statements, forms, rules or alteration or revision thereof are consistent with the Fundamental Declarations contained herein and are made as prescribed by this Constitution. Provided, and it is hereby further declared, that the above-named Book of Common Prayer, together with the Thirty-nine Articles, be regarded as the authorised standard of worship and doctrine in this Church, and no alteration in or permitted variations from the services or Articles therein contained shall contravene any principle of doctrine or worship laid down in such standard."

I am sure other Anglican provinces would have made similar statements in their governing documents, but I am less familiar with where to look for them.

 

[RamiC]

@RamiC : Out of curiosity, what revisions would you like to see to the Articles, or what new/different things would you like to see in a new document if the Anglican Communion (or even just the Church of England) were to draw one up?

I am praying for peace on our time for the Anglican Communion, while believing that even peace in our time for the C of E would be a good start. I do not have a personal preference for what to change, although I am open to discussion about it. I just want enough unity that it is possible to explain our beliefs to church outsiders. There are a lot of those in the UK.

 

[RamiC]

In terms of how they recieve the Articles now?

This information would be available. For example, in the Australian church, it's set out in our constitution;

"This Church, being derived from the Church of England, retains and approves the doctrine and principles of the Church of England embodied in the Book of Common Prayer together with the Form and Manner of Making Ordaining and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests and Deacons and in the Articles of Religion sometimes called the Thirty-nine Articles ..."

I have finally managed to find these little gems, from the Church of England:

"The Thirty-nine Articles are agreeable to the Word of God and may be assented unto with a good conscience by all members of the Church of England." and "The doctrine of the Church of England is grounded in the Holy Scriptures, and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular such doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal."

Which looks to me like it just announces that the Bible and the 39 like each other or something. I think it binds our clergy to the same standard as Australia, such that they cannot publicly contradict them.


As for this bit,

"Forasmuch as the Church of Christ has for a long time past been distressed by separations and schisms among Christian men, so that the unity for which our Lord prayed is impaired and the witness to his gospel is grievously hindered, it is the duty of clergy and people to do their utmost not only to avoid occasions of strife but also to seek in penitence and brotherly charity to heal such divisions."

I am just going to crawl back to my prayer corner for a while now.