The Lambeth Conferences and the development of Anglican ecclesiology, 1867-1978
The discussion of Anglican ecclesiology usually concentrates on particular periods of the Church of England's history. This thesis proceeds from the standpoint of the Anglican Communion. When Anglicans found themselves to be outside the bounds of the English establishment, they were forced to make a response to their new social, political and religious environment. They did this by founding Churches upon the basis of voluntary compacts and organising them under constitutional synods. This thesis argues first that the new challenges led to a changed perspective on received Anglican doctrine and liturgies, episcopal government and the Church's relationship to the State, and secondly, that in the light of this experience Anglicans have transformed the definition of their own communion and the claims made for the whole Anglican theological tradition. It is in this second area that the Lambeth Conferences are important. By reference to the Conferences' discussion of Christian unity and Anglican organization (often utilising previously unexamined records) the thesis examines the debates over Anglican doctrine, authority, organization and mission. Successive expositions of the Lambeth Quadrilateral form one line
Thomas, Philip H. E.
Philosophy
The Lambeth Conferences and the development of Anglican ecclesiology, 1867-1978. The discussion of Anglican ecclesiology usually concentrates on particular periods of the Church of England's history. This thesis proceeds from the standpoint of the Anglican Communion. When Anglicans found themselves to be outside the bounds of the English establishment, they were forced to make a response to their new social, political and religious environment. They did this by founding Churches upon the basis of voluntary compacts and organising them under constitutional synods. This thesis argues first that the new challenges led to a changed perspective on received Anglican doctrine and liturgies, episcopal government and the Church's relationship to the State, and secondly, that in the light of this experience Anglicans have transformed the definition of their own communion and the claims made for the whole Anglican theological tradition. It is in this second area that the Lambeth Conferences are important. By reference to the Conferences' discussion of Christian unity and Anglican organization (often utilising previously unexamined records) the thesis examines the debates over Anglican doctrine, authority, organization and mission. Successive expositions of the Lambeth Quadrilateral form one line
development anglican ecclesiology discussion anglican ecclesiology usually concentrate particular period church_england history proceeds standpoint anglican communion find outside bound english establishment force make response new social_political religious environment found churches upon basis voluntary compact organise constitutional argues first new challenge lead change perspective receive anglican doctrine liturgy episcopal government church relationship state secondly light experience transform definition communion claim_make whole anglican theological tradition second area important reference discussion christian unity anglican organization often utilise previously unexamined record examine debate anglican doctrine authority organization mission successive exposition form line