Why I support a new province

Via VirtueOnline:

by Tory Baucom
December 6, 2008

In 1789 16% of the American population was Anglican. Now it is about .3%. That means this country is 99.7% Episcopal-free.

This statistic, among other facts, suggests that Anglicanism has never adapted to American culture.

In other words we have never appealed to the deepest desire and aspirations of the American people and they have returned the favor.

It is axiomatic in missiology that you cannot reach a people whose culture you despise or think is beneath you.

Loving the people (not being superior to them) is a pre-condition to reaching them. This, among other reasons, is why I support a new province.

It gives us a chance to be an indigenous, apostolic expression of Anglicanism, something that The Episcopal Church (TEC) never has been and something the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) and the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) are already learning to do.

Like many, I regret that I have come to this conclusion but I have. Another reason I support the emerging province is that it may actually be the last way, ironically, to save TEC.

Breaking up the cartel may force them to address issues of quality control. As they lose the last shred of credibility they have in the wider Anglican Church (and Church Catholic), and more Americans choose the new option, the institutional liberals may find the courage to wrest institutional control from the radicals in power.

I know its unlikely, but possible. I also believe within the decade this new province will be recognized by the majority of the Communion, including the Archbishop of Canterbury.

---The Rev. Tory Baucum is the Rector of Truro Church, Fairfax, VA