Homosexuality and the Crisis of Anglicanism

The Anglican conflict over homosexuality has drawn worldwide interest and divided the church. However, conflict within Christianity is not new. This book traces the steps by which the crisis emerged, and reveals the deeper debates within the church which underlie both the current controversy and much earlier splits. William L. Sachs contends that the present debate did not begin with opposition to homosexuality or in advocacy of it. He argues that, like past tensions, it originates in the diverging local contexts in which the faith is practised, and their differing interpretations of authority and communion. In the aftermath of colonialism, activists and reformers have taken on prominent roles for and against the status quo. The crisis reveals a Church in search of a new, global consensus about the appropriate forms of belief and mission.

List of contents

1. A definitive moment; 2. The shape of early Christian unity; 3. When ideals encounter realities; 4. Reform and the power of periphery; 5. Anglican tradition and local prerogative; 6. The triumph of indigenous Anglicanism; 7. The rise of Liberalism; 8. In search of the pure church; 9. Beyond warring parties?

About the author

William L. Sachs is Director of the Center for Interfaith Reconciliation at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia. He is author of Renewing the Ties that Bind (2004), The Transformation of Anglicanism (1993) and Of One Body: Renewal Movements in the Church with Joseph W. Trigg (1986) and over 150 articles.

Summary

The Anglican conflict over homosexuality has drawn worldwide interest and divided the church. William Sachs argues that the rift originates in the Anglican emphasis on local context, and that it reveals the need for a new, global consensus about appropriate forms of belief and mission in the postcolonial period.

Product details

• Authors: William L Sachs, William L. Sachs, Sachs William L.
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 06.03.2014
• EAN: 9781107639997
• ISBN: 978-1-107-63999-7
• No. of pages: 268
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; RELIGION / Christianity / Anglican, RELIGION / Christianity / General, RELIGION / Christianity / Episcopalian, Christianity, Religious aspects of sexuality, gender and relationships, RELIGION / Christian Living / Family & Relationships, Anglican and Episcopalian Churches, Religious aspects of sexuality, gender & relationships, Anglican & Episcopalian Churches, Church of England, Christian aspects of sexuality, gender & relationships