All Hallows’ Eve this year was the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, when the Augustinian Monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther was hoping for discussion, and commenced a religious, political and social revolution. Many of his complaints against the Roman Catholic Church were quite valid, and other dimensions of his ministry…most specifically his anti-Semitism, were deplorable.
As political opposition to the consolidation of Roman authority grew, the English were influenced, and, over the course of four monarchs (Henry VIII, James I, Bloody Mary, and Elizabeth I) eventually effected an English Reformation…an affirmation of an Anglican Christianity which retained the ancient and apostolic Faith expressed in Eastern and Western Christianity, incorporating also Protestant understandings. In many ways, Anglicanism became the “bridge” between Roman and Orthodox expressions of Faith, and those of more radical Protestants, a position we retain to this day.
At Westminster Abbey last week, Archbishop of Canterbury ++the Most Reverend Justin Welby, presented an accord to Lutheran and Roman Catholic representatives which may lead to full reconciliation. The Episcopal Church already enjoys full Communion with the Swedish and Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is serving as bridge also with other Christian denominations. An especially hopeful and recent accord transpired with the Methodists, who split from Anglicans / Episcopalians in the early 19th Century, (though their “founders,” John and Charles Wesley, both died as Anglican priests).
The world needs nothing more just now than the ministry of Reconciliation…something Episcopalians show a knack for, and for which we ought continue to strive.
Meanwhile, hats half-off to Martin Luther, who articulated the untenable doctrine of “sola scriptura” or “Scripture Alone,” but also prompted Anglicans to articulate the much for viable doctrine of “ekklesia semper reformadando” or “The Church In Constant Reformation.” Cheers to the latter!
A fascinating conference at the Huntington Library “Globalizing the Protestant Reformation” is offered on the nature and significance of the Protestant Reformation as a global phenomenon December 8th and 9th from 8:30am to 5pm with leading European and American scholars offering fresh perspectives on the dynamics of religious change HERE. Meanwhile, Docent Robert Mueller is investigating possibilities for a St. Edmund’s trip to the Huntington for a tour of Reformation interest.
Faithfully,
GFW+
Sarah Wood lost her father, Robert Wood, in Maine on October 22nd. Sarah was at her father’s side. Remember the Reverend Rob and Sarah Fisher and the larger family in your prayers, with thanksgiving for the life of Robert Wood.
Thanks to José Guerrero and to Weiman Cheung who took copious photos of our Confirmation and Leave-Taking Liturgy last Sunday! José’s photos may be viewed on FB, as soon will Weiman’s. The Rector needs to figure out how to access, assemble and upload Google Drive photos in order to present Mr. Cheung’s as they ought be presented! Thank you José and Weiman!!!
Study of religious affiliation at time of death HERE
The value of acknowledging adolescent perspectives HERE
Check out the excellent work of the Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corp
HERE, and the Young Adult Service Corp Facebook page HERE
The Lessons for Pentecost Twenty-Two (Track Two), November 5, 2017 HERE
Prayers continue for Cheryl and Gary Mendoza, both recovering from serious surgeries in Orlando, Florida.
Read “The Lead” from Episcopal Café HERE
The recent edition of Episcopal News from the Diocese of L.A. may be found HERE, and articles from the national Episcopal News Service
HERE
