The Anglican Compass Rose –
“The truth will set you free” (John 8:32)
“ Anglicanism is one of the traditions, or expressions, of the Christian faith. The word Anglican originates in ecclesia anglicana, a medieval Latin phrase dating to at least 1246 that means the English Church, but the tradition has been adopted around the world. Now 85 million members are part of national or regional Churches that call themselves Anglican (or Episcopal in some countries) which collectively are known as the Anglican Communion.
Anglicans agree that their beliefs and practices, their authority, derive from an integration of Scripture (the Holy Bible), Reason (the intellect and the experience of God) and Tradition (the practices and beliefs of the historical church). This ‘three-legged stool’ is said to demonstrate a ‘balance’ in the Anglican approach to faith contrasting it with Roman Catholic and the Protestant doctrines. The term via media when used in reference to the Anglican tradition generally refers to the idea that Anglicanism represents a middle way between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.
Rather than saying Anglicanism is Protestant – like Lutheranism or Calvinism – it would be more accurate to say it is catholic (believing it is still part of God’s one Church and having bishops as Church leaders) but reformed (in that it shares the principles of other Christian Churches that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in 16th Century in what has become known as the Protestant Reformation).”
Anglican Terminology and Leadership
Priest (The Rev’d): The title for either a male or female who is ordained and called to serve, educate, guide and grow a church community through leading sacramental worship, education and pastoral care. On Sunday you will see them presiding at the Eucharist ( Lord’s supper or Communion) and preaching.
Deacon (The Rev’d): The title of either a male or female who is ordained called to serve the poor and marginalized and help a church community meet the needs of the marginalized in their surrounding communities. On Sunday you will see them reading the Gospel lesson and setting the altar for the Eucharist.
Warden: The title for the lay leadership (not ordained) who work closely with the Priest in the leading of the church.
Council: A group elected by the congregation to oversea the life of the church between annual meetings.
Click HERE to learn more about call and vocations in the Anglican tradition.