What attracted you to Anglicanism/Episcopalianism?

[ByronArn]

I'm just wondering what attracted everyone to Anglicanism (or for those in TEC, Episcopalianism)? If Anglicanism worldwide is anything like my parish, there are very few cradle Anglicans.

I was raised in a very black and white, the Bible is literal truth religious background. When confronted with the sexism of the Bible, I abandoned my faith shortly after I turned 18. It was during my time as an atheist (this lasted for a few years) that I finally came out to myself and my (now ex) fiancee as bisexual. It was also during this time that the schismatic churches broke away due to Gene Robinson's ordination as Bishop. I remember hearing about it on the news and my interest was piqued. When I finally came back to the Christian faith (with a more moderate faith in regards to Biblical inerrancy and homosexuality than I grew up with) a year or so later, I remembered that news story about the Episcopal Church being affirming and decided to try it out. I fell in love with the liturgy right away.

So to sum it up, I came for the Episcopal Church's openness, but I stayed for the liturgy!

 

[Liberasit]

It's the local church, and committed to transforming our community.

 

[PaladinValer]

Catholicity, Apostolicacy, Historically-linked, Doctrine and Dogma, and validity and licity.

 

[GenetoJean]

Welcoming with explanation for why they are welcoming.
Full of tradition.
Wide spread, so if I travel I can find a church to visit.

 

[Shane R]

I worshipped with a continuing parish for 9 months and for me it was two factors: the dignity of the liturgy and the insightful homilies of the rector. He felt free to preach 20-25 minutes and deliver some substantive teaching and the congregation supported him. It was a good arrangement. I still talk to that man of God.

 

[Liberasit]

I worshipped with a continuing parish for 9 months and for me it was two factors: the dignity of the liturgy and the insightful homilies of the rector. He felt free to preach 20-25 minutes and deliver some substantive teaching and the congregation supported him. It was a good arrangement. I still talk to that man of God.

Our sermon slot is 25 minutes (sometimes it goes over and I start thinking about my joint ). I think that it's important to learn something as we worship that can be applied to our lives.

 

[ebia]

Our sermon slot is 25 minutes (sometimes it goes over and I start thinking about my joint ).

Can't you slip outside for a quick puff?

 

[alasthai]

I'm just wondering what attracted everyone to Anglicanism (or for those in TEC, Episcopalianism)? If Anglicanism worldwide is anything like my parish, there are very few cradle Anglicans.

We have quite a few cradle Anglicans in our parish, but I am not one.

In essence, my Beloved and I found a church which was liturgically traditional (and thus connected with history, which we both love) whilst being theologically liberal (and thus not dogmatic, which we both loathe).

 

[CanadianAnglican]

I was raised in various Pentecostal and non-denominational churches. After a long 'desert experience' I felt God's presence in my local Anglican parish, which I attended occasionally after their then new rector moved in next door to me. Beyond that I went through a period of examining Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican doctrines and theologies, and found that while there is a great deal I object to in terms of what is happening in the Anglican Church of Canada at least, my parish will remain my home for some time as it has avoided falling prey to the doctrinal concerns

 

[seeking.IAM]

Reverential worship, Catholic, Apostolic Succession, open Communion, & The Big Tent... Yep, that about covers it.

 

[CanadianAnglican]

Found a good blog post that about sums it up, too: 8 Reasons to Be Anglican | Convictional Anglican

 

[Liberasit]

Found a good blog post that about sums it up, too: 8 Reasons to Be Anglican | Convictional Anglican

That is a great blog.

However, my personal experience and observation prioritises a little differently.

In my church family, we would rearrange the blogger's priorities to say biblical, pastoral, ecumenical, global.

Then probably liturgical, sacramental, episcopal, historical.

I don't connect with members here who emphasise the apostolic succession, etc. I tend to live in the here and now. I just happen to belong to a church that has "it" - because of where I live (praise The Lord).

 

[ebia]

I'm just wondering what attracted everyone to Anglicanism

I can't see anywhere else to go that doesn't have even bigger issues.

 

[Albion]

That is a great blog.

However, my personal experience and observation prioritises a little differently.

In my church family, we would rearrange the blogger's priorities to say biblical, pastoral, ecumenical, global.

Then probably liturgical, sacramental, episcopal, historical.

FWIW, I thought it was pretty good. Other Anglicans would no doubt rearrange some of the points and add or subtract something, but I liked it pretty much just as it stood.

 

[RainsInApril]

Thanks for sharing that blog post. I'm drawn to Anglicanism for many of those reasons as well.

 

[Nimrauko]

What brought me to Anglicanism, more specifically The Episcopal Church, was the reverence and the liturgy in addition to the openness and the fact that to me the church was closer to what Christ wanted. They are not a church focused on such things as Rapture (don't get me started) and all that crap. They are focused on the here and the now. Reaching out to the marginalized and the needy. The Episcopal Churches presence in the communities shes in is astounding and the work the church does is tangible. We are truly showing what it is to be christlike. I am glad to be Episcopal!

 

[alasthai]

I can't see anywhere else to go that doesn't have even bigger issues.

The Quakers? (Although I rather think that we are better off for having you around.)

 

[Sean611]

For me, it was about the liturgy, sacraments, and the historic nature of the church. Not being a church that was founded in recent times was important for me. What is amazing is just how much beauty and reverence there is in a high church mass and a solemn low mass.

That being the case, I think I love Anglicanism for what it can be/has been, than what it is today (at least in America). That being said, as ebia mentioned, every church has their problems, it is just a matter of finding one worth suffering with/for.

Ironically, I think that the "big tent" that is Anglicanism is its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

It was the writings of C.S. Lewis that brought me back into the Christian fold after having wandered away in my teens. N.T. Wright is the theologian I love most today. Both are Anglicans. So it was natural I would be attracted to following them in their choice of church as well as in their theology.

 

[Maid Marie]

I was attracted to the history and traditions, plus the reverence surrounding communion. The final push was the no music service at 8 am. My then Nazarene church had such horribly loud rock music that I couldn't worship due to the migraines I got.