On the Definition of "Anglicanism"

"The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail"
By William Kurelek, Art Gallery of Ontario 

By Bp. Joseph Boyd (Ancient Church of the West)

As a missionary diocese in East and Southeast Asia in the Ancient Church of the West, a church with strong historical ties to the Anglican Patrimony, the Book of Common Prayer, the Caroline Divines, and the Non-Jurors, we see that the major undermining of our work comes from Reformed groups who want to claim the name "Anglican," but that imports a faith that is anti-conciliar and biased against the Patristic inheritance. They attempt to control the definition of the Anglican Patrimony by telling a "Reformed Story," which, while representative a form of Anglicanism which has been politically ascendant in some places, is not historically representative of the whole. We can readily acknowledge the Reforming strand that was woven over the ancient foundation of Anglicanism, but, unfortunately, they act as if those who argue for catholicity and orthodoxy are usurpers and liars, not acknowledging the Carolinian Divines and the Non-Juror inheritance and how these connect to the Anglocatholicism of the Oxford Movement and beyond.

Whilst retaining brotherly love and avoiding vain disputations, it is our biggest struggle catechetically and missionally to fight against these illegitimate usurpations of the Anglican Patrimony and the undermining of Apostolic catholicity by those who would plant "just another Protestant denomination." These churches sends out missionaries who try to, intentionally and confrontationally, in many Southeast Asian countries, undermine a Patristic understanding of doctrine and replace it with Evangelical "easy-believism," "Charismatic Renewal" and the Prosperity Gospel. We must be very honest about the harm in these approaches, while endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of godly love.

Contrary to this position, we believe that there is one faith that has been received by all, which has not changed, and which is true to the context of the traditional Gospel. This faith is not Lutheranism, Calvinism or the opinion of any one man or group of men. It is, as St. Vincent of Lerins said, “Believed everywhere, at all times, by all.” It is the Faith of the Undivided Church, given by Christ, kept by the Apostles, passed on to every generation of the Church, revealed in Scripture, interpreted in the Seven Ecumenical Councils and the writings of the Fathers. It does not matter that heretics won political battles in the past. We are losing political battles in many countries, in the East and the West, and we must stay faithful regardless of the cost. The point is not who won, who has more money, or who has the most prestige. The point is faithfulness. This is what Christ will ask us about on Judgment Day. 

Those who would change the words, the forms, the elements or the intentions of our Lord and replace them with man-made inventions have always lost. They become footnotes in history. Because the Gates of Hell will not prevail. Christ and His Church always stand the test of time, in the face of all heresy and opposition, because God is faithful, and we can triumphantly march into eternity with the knowledge that God has, and will always be, glorified in the holiness and fidelity of His Saints! 

This is vital to recognize and the reason why the Ancient Church of the West is not in communion with worldwide Anglicanism, neither is it willing to abandon our mission in the 10/40 Window for an easy life, missionary funding, or a place of respect amongst Western Churches. We are a Western Orthodox jurisdiction, stubbornly faithful to the evangelical truth we received in our inheritance, and will maintain this against all odds, lovingly, compassionately, humbly, and unswervingly! May God help us to conserve and maintain this mission!

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)