Contest: Define Realigned Anglicanism in 25 Words or Less
It's called an "elevator pitch." It's a concise statement which quickly, effectively communicates what your "thing" is all about.
In our case, it's local, realigned Anglicanism.
Here's the context: You're at a cocktail party. The music is a little bit loud and you get into a conversation about religion with a few friends. You say you are "Anglican." They say (shouting somewhat), "hey man, is that like being Episcopal or something?"
What do you tell them (in 25 words or less)?
(Winner to be selected by San Diego Anglicans web team December 11th. Members of web team ARE allowed to compete but can't vote for themselves. Prize? A San Diego Anglicans T-Shirt).
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Descendants of the Church of England, we maintain biblical authority, and the transforming power of the Trinity through Word and Sacrament in worship.
77 million believers and growing - especially in Africa!
I ALWAYS emphasize the "millions" part. It makes people very nervous (or pleasantly surprised). I find that many think the Roman Catholic Church is the only church with numbers.
No---Episcopalians pride themselves in not knowing what they believe.
Anglicans also are uncertain of what they believe, but they take no pride in it.
Heh. Martini-dry. I like it.
Anglicans are former Episcopalians who've had the burden of a heretical church lifted from their backs and now live in the joy of the Lord!
North American Anglicans are Christians who wish to worship God in the English tradition. An Episcopalian is not necessarily a Christian.
21 words.
I usually say I'm Orthodox Anglican because I'd rather be confused with an Eastern Orthodox church goer than an Anglican one. I'm ready for a new name altogether. I love the English language, but the spiritual center of our church stays no more in England.
Pretty good idea. Something to reflect the "via media" and it's global spread.
Western orthodox isn't bad but the extended description will likely end up sounding like RC. Global Anglican is almost oxymoronic now right? Universal yet provincial.
With all the craziness in the 1st world north [Canada, UA, England] we almost need to be more catholic than protestant.
We need something that catches being historic, faithful, biblical, liturgical, evangelical [in a good way] and orthodox.
English catholic? Everything but a pope and Marian worship. I like it.
In other words, "Anglo-Catholic".
Guess it is the best description for now.
Funny, I never thought I'd call myself that.
I can assure you, I never did either. Might be time to read a book on the subject....
I was excited to hear that Fr. Larry Bausch of Holy Trinity Ocean Beach will be teaching a series on Anglo-Catholicism early next year. Fr. Bausch is a very methodical and thoughtful teacher. There is a possibility of taping the series for those who can't attend the Sunday school hour at Holy Trinity.
"Catholic in identity, Evangelical in zeal"
(ripped that one off from Bishop Ackerman).
I don't think it would sell well at the party scenario described in the original question, but it's a good day-to-day working definition I carry around with me, anyway.
David Turney
Site Editor