ABOUT ANGLICANISM
Anglican Structure
Anglicanism’s roots are embedded in the Church of England, formed during the Protestant Reformation. It is now the third largest denomination in the world today. There are approximately 86 million Anglicans in 165 countries, organized into 38 independent Provinces. Today, the typical Anglican is a 20-something African woman.
Saint Barnabas belongs to the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (DOMA) led by Bishop +Chris S. Warner. DOMA is in turn part of the province named the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) led by Archbishop Stephen D. Wood.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the symbolic head of the Anglican Church. This communion is held together by bonds of affection as well as instruments of unity such as the Book of Common Prayer and the 39 Articles of Faith.
The Book of Common Prayer is one of the most influential books ever published in the English language, bringing together the liturgies practiced by the Church. The 39 Articles are the original statements of Doctrine and Theology that most Anglicans continue to follow.
Three Streams of Anglicanism
The three streams of Anglicanism are commonly used to describe what Anglicanism is today: catholic, reformed, and charismatic. Traditionally, Anglicans have always seen themselves as the “middle way” between the Roman Catholic Church and the Reformation.
We have taken what we believe are the best of both. From the Catholic Church we have taken our structure, liturgy, lectionary, and many of our traditions. We have also inherited an elevated view of the eucharist. We are edified every Sunday through our communion services as we confront our sin, repent, and are reminded of our redemption by Christ’s once and forever sacrifice on the cross.
We also believe that Christ is present within the sacraments through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is indicative of the Charismatic stream that proclaims that God is both active and alive through the world and in our lives through the presence of His Spirit, which inhabits the hearts of all believers.
But we are also Reformed and believe in the inerrant sufficiency of the Bible as the inspired word of God and that everything necessary for salvation is contained within it. We also believe that worship must be accessible and understandable to the common man, which is why the Bible was first printed in English and why Thomas Cranmer first put together the Book of Common Prayer.
The three streams of Anglicanism, when held in equal tension, are the foundations of a healthy church.