Finding Our Unity in the Scriptures:
Reconciliation in the Anglican Communion
by
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The Bible study offered earlier, using passages from Ephesians, as well as this concluding essay are offered in the passionate hope for reconciliation within the Anglican Communion. If Anglicans of all theological persuasions will come to the table with hopefulness, with patience, and with trust in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, we can come through this time and emerge a stronger Church. An historical perspective is helpful. Churches do, it is true, sometimes choose to divide over theological differences. Yet it is also true that, in time, the Church oftentimes comes to consensus on matters which were once deeply divisive. In our own time we simply take for granted many theological understandings and liturgical practices which were once the subjects of bitter disputes. Rather than turning our backs on one another, now is a time for a return to serious and open-minded Bible study, a time to turn to God in earnest prayer, a time for honest, candid dialogue, and a time for listening with humility and with charity to those with whom we disagree, who are at the same time fellow Christians, and who frequently have a great deal to teach us.
The Windsor Report calls for: “. . . more mutual exploration and explanation of our theological beliefs, our understanding of the Bible, and many aspects of our common life and witness.”23 Importantly, the report observes: “Within Anglicanism, scripture has always been recognized as the Church’s supreme authority, and as such ought to be seen as a focus and means of unity.”24 As the Roman Catholic nun quoted in Know the Truth observed some forty years ago, “We must go back to the scriptures and find our unity there!”
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About the Book
This book grew out of a Bible Conference at We live in a time when there is such a pressing need in the Church for reconciliation, a rekindling of a spirit of love and mutual respect rather than the judgment and suspicion which all too often characterize relations among Christians who find themselves in disagreement with one another regarding the divisive issues of our time. This book advocates a renewed realization that in Jesus Christ what unites us as Christians is far greater than what divides us. These essays on selected passages from Ephesians and the concluding essay, The Way Forward, are offered in the cause of reconciliation. They are suitable for study by individuals as well as parish and diocesan study groups seeking reconciliation in the Church. Study questions are presented at the end of each chapter to foster reflection and discussion. “I welcome this book as an offering to us all. It presents one means for discovering a receptive stance to God’s will for us, even in the midst of the harsh rhetoric and self-justifying proclamations of our day. I am grateful to Joel Huffstetler for his contribution to the forming of an attitude of the heart committed to reconciliation.” From the Afterword by The Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg, Bishop of East Tennessee.
About the Author
Joel W. Huffstetler is Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church,