There are few myths about Anglicanism more prevalent or persistent than “Henry VIII founded the Church of England because he wanted a divorce.” It is half-true, in that Henry’s desire to annul his marriage with Catherine was a primary impetus for the events that later became known as the English Reformation. However, to suggest that…
Article XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacrament. ALTHOUGH in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their…
Throughout the history of American politics, a political realignment occurs once every couple of generations. Some realignments are more profound and significant than others, but all usually manifest themselves during a presidential election year. New economic circumstances or historical events give rise to new interests, fears, or discontents that turn former enemies into friends or…
The saint in her stasis reclined there, Preparing to rise, her handlers made clear, On what bailiffs call the Last Great Day When they swear in the witnesses at court. Wouldn’t it be fine to see it happen In the rainy doldrums of a Thursday, The skies finally parting, not for the sun, But the…
Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begot us. The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning. – Ecclesiasticus 44:1‒2, Authorized Version. As I write during this octave of All Saints I smirk thinking about Bishop John Jewel. He is an English saint worth remembering…
Article XXV. ~ Of the Sacraments. SACRAMENTS ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men’s profession, but rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God’s good will towards us, by the which He doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen…
1. I never can see a churchyard old, With its mossy stones and mounds, And green-trees weeping the unforgot That rest in its hallowed bounds ; I never can see the old churchyard, But I breathe to God a prayer, That, sleep as I may in this fevered life, I may rest when I slumber…
Variations on a line by Sorina Higgins The Garden of Eden is a waiting room. The waiting of the painted is a still palace. The watching of the pained is an error. The panting of the weaned is a gratitude. The parching of the great is a watershed. The parting of the water is…
Article XXIV. Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people understandeth. IT is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church to have Publick Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments in a tongue not understanded of the people. De…
J.R.R. Tolkien tells a short story about an ordinary fellow who just wants to finish a painting. Over time, he is constantly distracted by the requests of his neighbors, and eventually he grows sick and dies, leaving his painting unfinished. As he navigates the afterlife, he finds that much of his character is judged by…