But there are remnants left around me… very strange remnants… in this case the Anglican Church which has in it some of the ancient truth and therefore I will live within it. - George Grant
The English Reformation took more than a century from beginning to end, and when the end was reached, the Anglican Tradition had both a solid and sane Prayer Book, and a sensible and sound theological grounding. The Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Communion, I suspect, can learn much from the English Reformation.
The 1st phase of the English Reformation began when John Colet lectured on Romans in 1496 at Oxford University. The Oxford Reformers (Colet, Erasmus, More) saw deeper than most the need for reform, and how a wise notion of reform could and would take place. The publication of the Enchiridion (1501), by Erasmus, pointed the way, in both a theological and political sense, to the meaning of reform. The Oxford Reformers were, in many ways, the morning stars of the English Reformation.
The 2nd phase of the English Reformation was initiated by Thomas Bilney in the 1520s at the White Horse Tavern at Cambridge, and such a gathering brought together luminaries such as Latimer, Ridley, Cranmer, Tyndale, Frith and Coverdale. Each of these reformers were committed to the reformation of the English church, but they tended to disagree on how this should take place and the timing of it. Bilney was the most impatient and head strong. Latimer and Ridley were more patient, and Cranmer more patient still. It was the patience of Cranmer that gave us the well wrought urn of the Prayer Book.
The 3rd phase of the English Reformation was brought about by the Marian exiles. The 1550s in England saw much bloodshed, and many reformers fled to the continent. When Mary died, many returned and carried on the reformation of the English church under Elizabeth. Matthew Parker, John Jewel and others built on the solid and secure foundation of the Oxford Reformers and the White Horse Tavern reformers. It is important and timely to note that the differences between the White Horse Tavern reformers was not about the need for reform; they all agreed on this, and most died for it. They disagreed on the meaning and timing of reform. I think we can learn much from these men in such a time as this.
The 4th phase of the English Reformation was brought together in a solid, thoughtful and informed way by Richard Hooker. Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity was published between 1594-1597. The judicious Hooker left to the Anglican Tradition a balanced and wise way of doing theology and a prophetic understanding of the relationship of the church to the state. I have often sat at Hooker’s parish church in Bishopsbourne, and wondered, while sitting there, what he would speak to us today. Hooker has a depth and breadth, a graciousness and beauty lacking in Luther, Calvin and the Anabaptists.
Colet initiated the English Reformation in 1496, and by 1597 we see the mature flowering of the English Reformation in Hooker. The Reformation of the English church took more than a century. Why should we think the reformation we are going through will go at a faster pace? The task of digging deep, laying solid foundation stones, building a rock firm edifice and roof and a well wrought interior takes time. Surely, this is what we must give ourselves to if we ever hope to bring a lasting reformation in the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Communion.
There is a tale from history speaking to us if we have but ears to ear. The impatient and reactionary often, in true protestant style, fragment and divide the church in the name of renewal. Those that come from an older and deeper tradition, though, know that solid foundations take time to build, but when such firm foundation stones are in place, and a stately edifice stands secure, the building of reform will last much longer. We are in an age that cries out for people that are gold or, at least, silver at the core. Sadly so, we live in an ethos in which most are made of bronze or clay. Perhaps the golden character of the ancient reformers can still teach us much. The tale they tell is for such a time as this.
It is the strange remnants in the Anglican Tradition that remind us, when rightly understood, of ancient truths that we ignore to our peril. This is why, one of the most important Canadian public intellectuals of the 20th century, George Grant, chose to live within such a time tried heritage that is more than 2000 years of age.
Ron Dart teaches in the department of political science, philosophy and religious studies at University College of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford, BC). Ron attends St. Matthew’s parish in Abbotsford.
Comments