Confessing or Practicing?

 

I remember from  my lessons in History of the Church  the impact caused in England by the so-called millennial petition movement made by non - conformist in the beginning of James I reign. At that time the non-conformist wanted to reform the church and transform it into an arm of continental Calvinist Protestantism.
The response gave by the king to petitioners at Hampton Court is now in my mind: I know very well you!

The king, of course was referring to those more radical puritans. Later, in his writings on his famous work Basilicon Doron he said that the puritans were sediciosos, who had no respect for authorities.

I see some parallels between contemporary puritans of James I and the movement today called FOCA - Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans. Obviously the first fruit of GAFCON Conference!

They want to build an Anglicanism under a puritan framework and likeness their self understanding  of orthodoxy, ignoring our tradition and disrespecting violently all the institutions that historically were built for a effective church's witness. The disrepectful mention on the Archbishop of Canterbury is only a little signal that reveals where they want to go!

They hold the truth of everything and on everything. They are self-called reformers. They feel to be the truly church. All others need to repent and step back to what that are proposing.

At least, they are needing spiritual healing. Nobody self-centered can consider itself as a model of spirituality. Neither Archbishops, bishops, clergy or individuals beings.
Looking at the various statements that are made by the so-called liberals, I see none of them proudly to consider the truth as something they have closed in their hands.

The truth is always a search. There is no port where the truth arrived definitely. The truth is born in the wave of the Spirit that moves always challenging our own convictions. The truth is not an idea: it is fundamentally a praxis. Right confession of right comprehension on metaphysical  dogmas is not sufficient to guarantee anything! Remember: The word was made flesh!
At the place of a FOCA I think we can propose another alternative: AWA - Anglicans who act!

The slogan for this group must be: Acting under the God's love to a World loved by Him!

At the head? Jesus only!

"But emerging from the legacy of colonialism must mean a new co-operation of equals, not a simple reversal of power"

I just received from the Anglican Communion Office a response delivered by the Archbishop Rowan Williams on the GAFCON statement.
The phrase above represents a very appropriate comprehension on the central issue that is causing divisions and pain within the Communion. The affirmation about not reversal of power is so perspicuous. I have no doubt that the basic motivation that allowed people to create alternatives networks accusing others to be not orthodox is specifically a dispute to stay at the head.
As a communion we don't need to demonstrate who has the control. The table where disciples seat is a place for humility and comprehensiveness. The table is not a place for intolerance.
The ABC's response will make those - who has an open vision on the Church's role - feel so comforted.
The true spiritual life is not based only in words or theologies, but in concrete actions and concern with those who are at the periphery.
No one has absolute right to define the truth for others. All of us, together, need to be humble in find the best for us in Jesus' life and will.