Episcopal or Anglican?

[graceandpeace]

Okay.

In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

I am also aware of what I've heard called continuing Anglicanism. Is this group also part of the worldwide Anglican communion? If not, is it seeking recognition?

I am just really unclear on the supposed differences & what is "legitimate."

I am currently attending a UMC & consider myself Wesleyan, but I am really interested in sacramental, more liturgical church life. (To be fair, the UMC is somewhat liturgical.) I have been spending a lot of time in the EOC forum on here & feel very interested in visiting a church soon - but I am also interested in the Anglican communion.

Thanks.

 

[ebia]

Okay. In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

The consensus of the Communion is unhappy with ECUSA. However, there isn't a mechanism for severing communion from a member body or even deciding whether that would be desirable.

I am also aware of what I've heard called continuing Anglicanism. Is this group also part of the worldwide Anglican communion?

No.

 

[seeking.IAM]

Graceandpeace, I invite you to come and see for yourself The Episcopal Church. Like you, I was Methodist most of my life, son of a UMC pastor actually. Also like you, I embarked on a study of EOC and visited a church before deciding TEC was right for me. It's a short leap back to TEC since Wesley was an Anglican priest. You will find much that you will experience as familiar. Come and see.

 

[FireDragon76]

In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

The Anglican Communion is something that largely exists on paper, like the British Commonwealth. There's some ceremonial meetings and a figurehead in the Archbishop of Canterburry, but at the end of the day, it matters little: Episcopalian's catholicity is not dependent on what the Church of England, Nigeria, or Australia thinks of it. The Anglican Communion's alleged "breakup" will impact Episcopalians or Canadian Anglicans very little, and there could still be unofficial ties with likeminded Anglicans around the world.

Not all Episcopalians are highly liturgical, though most are.

I myself currently attend an Independent Catholic church but in practice there is little difference between Old Catholics/Independent Catholics and Episcopalians in our attitudes. I just prefer Old Catholicism where I live because they are closer to the consensus of Episcopalians on many issues that are important to me and a progressive Gospel message rooted in healing, inclusion and love is preached more clearly that the Episcopal diocese where I live (Central Florida, which is inordinately conservative and charismatic and WASPy).

 

[Albion]

Okay.

In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

Unlikely. The majority of Anglican Communion provinces are upset with The Episcopal Church but, while some have broken communion with her, there doesn't appear to be any interest in either trying to expel TEC or to leave it themselves.

I am also aware of what I've heard called continuing Anglicanism. Is this group also part of the worldwide Anglican communion? If not, is it seeking recognition?

It is not part of the AC and does not want to become affiliated with it.

I am currently attending a UMC & consider myself Wesleyan, but I am really interested in sacramental, more liturgical church life. (To be fair, the UMC is somewhat liturgical.) I have been spending a lot of time in the EOC forum on here & feel very interested in visiting a church soon - but I am also interested in the Anglican communion. Thanks.

For reference, you have basically three Anglican groups here:

1. The Episcopal Church--the one and only US affiliate of the Anglican Communion.

2. The "Anglican Realignment" movement--mainly, the Anglican Church in North America, the Anglican Mission (of the Anglican Church of Rwanda), and the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a part of the Anglican Church of Nigeria. Not members of the Anglican Communion but part of national churches which are.

3. The "Continuing Anglican" churches which consider themselves estranged from the Anglican Communion because the AC has allowed women priests and bishops.

 

[ebia]

The Anglican Communion is something that largely exists on paper, like the British Commonwealth.

For provinces in the developing world it makes the world of difference to be part of global church.

Your attitude seems to fly in the face of communion, implying that the only value in an organisation is structural and authoratative.

 

[FireDragon76]

Your attitude seems to fly in the face of communion, implying that the only value in an organisation is structural and authoratative.

Truth is more important than unity. Episcopalians on the whole are convinced the issues dividing the Communion are issues of justice and the fact other Anglicans don't see this is just something we must agree to disagree about. If that means schism in the end, it is regrettable but that doesn't mean Episcopalians are guilty of anything.

 

[PaladinValer]

Okay.

In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

The Episcopal Church is the only official province of the Anglican Communion in the United States.

Is there a "risk"? That really depends, but currently, no.

I am also aware of what I've heard called continuing Anglicanism. Is this group also part of the worldwide Anglican communion? If not, is it seeking recognition?

No Continuing body is recognized by the Anglican Communion as being a member. Only the Anglican Church in North America is attempting to become a member, but the chances of this are next to nil.

I am just really unclear on the supposed differences & what is "legitimate."

The following page has excellent and nearly up-to-date information on what the official provinces of the Anglican Communion are, what bodies are in full communion with us, and which groups are not: Anglicans Online | Anglican Communion Membership

I am currently attending a UMC & consider myself Wesleyan, but I am really interested in sacramental, more liturgical church life. (To be fair, the UMC is somewhat liturgical.) I have been spending a lot of time in the EOC forum on here & feel very interested in visiting a church soon - but I am also interested in the Anglican communion.

Thanks.

I think you'll find the Anglican Communion an exceptional church to become a member of

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I am Episcopalian, and therefore Anglican since TEC is the American branch of the Anglican Communion. I'm not entirely thrilled with TEC's current leadership, which is too theologically liberal for my taste... but I'm not about to leave.

I'm also Lutheran (ELCA), and there's no conflict there since TEC & ELCA are in full communion.

 

[Picky Picky]

The Anglican Communion is something that largely exists on paper, like the British Commonwealth.

As a side issue, the news that the Commonwealth exists largely on paper might come as a surprise to its members, and it has not been called the British Commonwealth for more than 60 years.

 

[Rurik]

As a side issue, the news that the Commonwealth exists largely on paper might come as a surprise to its members, and it has not been called the British Commonwealth for more than 60 years.

Next thing they will be telling us "God save the King."

 

[Merrily]

It really doesn't matter which Anglican type church you attend just so long as you feel at home there.
TECUSA is the official Anglican church in the USA and in communion with 'us'
( The 'mother' Church of England) but those continuing Anglican churches all exist for a reason and to serve the liturgical tastes of those who join them.
We have three continuing churches here in England all at the lower end but we've just re-absorbed one of those insofar as we now recognise them and their presbyters can officiate in our churches and vice versa.
Anglicanism is a broad church welcoming and with room for all.
There's sure to be a manifestation of it just for you close by where you live.
Enjoy your searching.
It's the practice of the presence of God that matters in any church NOT the administrative affiliation.

 

[Picky Picky]

It really doesn't matter which Anglican type church you attend just so long as you feel at home there.
TECUSA is the official Anglican church in the USA and in communion with 'us'
( The 'mother' Church of England) but those continuing Anglican churches all exist for a reason and to serve the liturgical tastes of those who join them.
We have three continuing churches here in England all at the lower end but we've just re-absorbed one of those insofar as we now recognise them and their presbyters can officiate in our churches and vice versa.
Anglicanism is a broad church welcoming and with room for all.
There's sure to be a manifestation of it just for you close by where you live.
Enjoy your searching.
It's the practice of the presence of God that matters in any church NOT the administrative affiliation.

Which one's been re-absorbed, Merrily?

 

[graceandpeace]

Thanks for the responses! I just wanted that clarification. I am finding myself "on the fence" about many contemporary or political issues, so it is difficult to know which way I should go - somewhere like the TEC or the EOC, or to remain where I am. I will have to attend services & my husband has to be on board, too since we have toddlers & I want us to be united as a family in how we are going to bring them up.

 

[Merrily]

Which one's been re-absorbed, Merrily?

The Free Church of England.
They retain their independence but their orders are now recognised and their presbyters may be licensed subject to the diocesan's approval.
More here...
http://www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk/archives/005895.html

 

[Albion]

Since the FCE retains its independence," I wonder if it is accurate to say that it has been "reabsorbed." More like mutual recognition of orders, which is something that might be of even greater significance IMO.

 

[Sean611]

Okay.

In the USA, the Episcopal church is part of the worldwide Anglican communion, correct? If so, I've heard there is risk of it losing that connection - is that correct?

It is very unlikely that TEC loses this connection to the Anglican Communion. If Canterbury was going to do something, they would have done it before now.

I am also aware of what I've heard called continuing Anglicanism. Is this group also part of the worldwide Anglican communion? If not, is it seeking recognition?

Continuing Anglicanism is not part of the Anglican Communion, but many are in Communion with Anglican Communion provinces. The ACNA has/is trying to become recognized by the Anglican Communion, but it is very unlikely that it happens.

I am just really unclear on the supposed differences & what is "legitimate."

That is a good question and the answer will vary depending on who you ask. For me, being a "legitimate" Anglican is being in communion with the See of Canterbury. Obviously, there is more to it than that, but that is an important place to start, in my book anyway.

 

[ebia]

For me, being a "legitimate" Anglican is being in communion with the See of Canterbury. Obviously, there is more to it than that, but that is an important place to start, in my book anyway.

likewise

 

[Cjwinnit]

Since the FCE retains its independence," I wonder if it is accurate to say that it has been "reabsorbed." More like mutual recognition of orders, which is something that might be of even greater significance IMO.

Very true..

 

[Merrily]

Since the FCE retains its independence," I wonder if it is accurate to say that it has been "reabsorbed." More like mutual recognition of orders, which is something that might be of even greater significance IMO.

The recognition of orders was all on one side rather than mutual.
Free CofE nary doubted the validity of Anglican orders.
Interestingly enough John Fenwick the Free CofE Bishop who steered the process from their side is and always has been an ordained CofE priest and former quite senior Lambeth Palace staffer.
I used 'reabsorbed' advisedly.