The fault lines that have defined the creaking structures of the Church of England since the upheavals of the 19th century now threaten its future. The shakers and movers of this earthquake are not located in the Global South, but are scattered throughout 'England's green and pleasant land'. The crisis erupted this past Tuesday when evangelical leaders told the Archbishop of Canterbury to allow them to bypass liberal bishops or face widespread anarchy.
The men who met with Dr. Rowan Williams lead a coalition of evangelical organizations and networks that represents a fifth or more of all the Church of England''s parishes. Even more startling, these parishes may account for a third of the Church of England's active membership and 40% of its money.
A comprehensive report of the meeting, and what it portends, appeared in yesterday's Daily Telegraph. It is well worth reading.
For us Americans, there is a very comprehensive and informative debate on the Titusonenine blog where more than a hundred comments have been sent in response to the news from England, and to the comments of other commentators, to be sure. If you're interested in theology - you can't afford to miss it. If you just enjoy following a right hairy harangue between bright people who see thing rather differently from one another, it's something of a treat.
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