hen we speak about the "Anglican Communion," we are referring to the churches around the world that trace their spiritual lineage through the Church of England. The Communion came into existence largely through the reformation of the Church of Ireland in the 16th century, the independence of the Church of Scotland in the 17th century, and the independence of the United States resulting from the American Revolution. In 1851, churches of Anglican descent and theological interest first used the term, "Anglican Communion," out of a desire for association and some sense of unity.

In 1867, the first Lambeth Conference of Bishops occurred. Since then, it has taken place every 10 years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury; the last one was in 1998. Bishops from all around the world converge on Canterbury for prayer and worship, consultation and fellowship. It was not (and is not) a synod or convention and does not enact canons or make binding decisions on the Anglican Communion. Lambeth's purpose runs much deeper, as does the Communion in general. It reflects the minds and hearts of those with whom we are in fellowship. In fact, we are in fellowship precisely because of what we share theologically and historically with our brothers and sisters around the world.

Today there are 75 million members of the Communion located in 134 countries around the world. These independent churches recognize the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury and are "in communion" with their sister churches around the world. The opening paragraph of our Episcopal Constitutions and Canons testifies to our connection with this fellowship. It reads, "The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America … is a constituent member of the Anglican Communion, Fellowship within the One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church." We should remember however, that we in the Episcopal Church are a very small part, comprising about 3 percent (2.5 million) of the total number of Anglicans worldwide.

But many people are asking, "Why remain a part of this communion?"
The first reason I believe we should revere our place in the Communion is that we need its theological mooring. While the Communion has no regulatory authority per se, it provides a sense of accountability that comes from being a part of a larger body of Christ. Just as we see value in pursuing our Christian lives within a community of believers rather than as individuals on our own, I believe churches, themselves, should also be in community. If we expect the Spirit of God to lead the local church, how much more should we listen to the Spirit speaking through the larger Body of Christ around the world. In many ways, we need the Communion to aid us as a church in maintaining our humility.

It is the Anglican Communion that intimately connects us to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church — for the Communion, at its heart, is a theological communion. It professes that we not only trace our heritage from these particular beginnings; we also hold these things as necessary and valuable. The preamble of our constitution (quoted above) also goes on to say that the Church participates in the Communion by having "duly constituted dioceses, provinces, and regional churches, in communion with the See of Canterbury, upholding the historic faith and order as set forth in The Book of Common Prayer." A helpful quote from the 1968 Lambeth Conference clarifies this further:

The second reason I believe the Anglican Communion is worth our effort is that it provides the potential for true unity as well as true diversity. Existing in over 130 countries, the Communion can link us in wonderful ways to Anglican Christians around the world. In this diocese [Tennessee] alone, many can testify to the great blessings of the relationship we have with the Diocese of Littoral. The Companion Diocese program has blessed so many people all around the country and the world.

We have much to learn from other Communion members, particularly those in Africa. Nigeria alone has
15 million Anglicans. Can you imagine a country with 15 million Anglican Christians?! What might we learn from our brothers and sisters in this province that can barely train clergy fast enough to meet the demands of ministry?

The Anglican Communion also connects us with Christians who are under persecution — whose lives are in danger because of their faith in Christ. These Christians are very different from us, yet united with us in the gospel. They have different skin tones, languages, social problems, and structures, but they have the same love. How wonderful it is to be connected and able to partner with them in our work for the Kingdom of God.

Both of these reasons lead me to a principle that is tearing at our church here in America: there is no true unity without unity of faith and no true diversity without real and authentic respect for the other. Living in authentic Christian community, as a national body, can help us make great strides in these areas.

Some have said that we don't have to go through Canterbury to get to Jesus. That is indeed a true statement. The Anglican Communion is not an essential part of the Christian faith. But I think it is an immensely beneficial one — a privilege I share as an Anglican/Episcopal priest. Other people have disdainfully remarked to me that, "The bishops of the Anglican Communion should just leave us alone. Who cares what they say?"

That's an incredibly arrogant statement. I hope we care. They are our brothers and sisters. Maybe the Holy Spirit wants to speak through them. In any case, before we throw off the shackles of the Communion, we should remember a point made a half century ago by Archbishop Michael Ramsey: "There is no Christian community mentioned in the New Testament which has not behind it some authority responsible to a larger whole" (Ramsey, 46).

We need the accountability that comes from being responsible to a larger whole and we need the richness of fellowship. In short, I am convinced more than ever that we need the love and grace (and at times the correction and discipline) that comes from being a part of the Body of Christ. Community can indeed be challenging, but that is how God has planted His Church. It is part of His provision for His people. Paul's words to the church at Corinth might be helpful for us:

Whatever emerges in the Communion, I pray it will be a fellowship of historically grounded, biblically-minded, Christ-centered, Spirit-inspired, Eucharistically-devoted, New Testament people united by their love of their Savior — a communion, thoroughly Anglican, thoroughly Christian.

Lord, have mercy.

Sources:
Backhouse, A Feast of Anglican Spirituality, Canterbury Press, 1998.
Ramsey, The Gospel and the Catholic Church, Cowley, 1936.
Sykes, Booty, and Knight, The Study of Anglicanism, SPCK, 1988.