Episodically led and spasmodically governed?

Mar 11, 2017 by

by Canon Phil Ashey, AAC:

Once upon a time a number of Anglican bishops and leaders from around the world were sharing on an email list-serve about how we as a Communion of Churches organize ourselves. As Anglicans we often describe ourselves as “Episcopally led and Synodically governed.” It’s a shorthand way of saying that we value the leadership of Bishops as successors to the Apostles in guarding the faith of the Church. It reminds us of the Apostle Paul himself who wrote to St. Timothy, his beloved “son” in the faith, and his successor:

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  2 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV

Some people would rather describe our organizing as about “Bishops in Synod,” emphasizing the full participation of the bishops with clergy and laity in the “Synod,” or gathering of the Church.  “Synod” comes from the Greek words that mean “walking together.” And yet Anglicans still believe that, within this “walking together”- within a church government that provides checks and balances against the concentration of power over and against any one part of the Church (bishops, clergy and laity)- we always recognize the unique leadership of Bishops in faithfully teaching and guarding the faith, doctrine and worship/liturgy of the Church. No one else in the Church has this role and responsibility.

Back to that list serve… So when someone’s auto-correct or spell check changed “Episcopally led and Synodically governed” to “Episodically led and spasmodically governed,” every Bishop  and leader on that thread had a great laugh! Unfortunately, at times, this joke strikes a little too close to the truth about Anglican leadership.

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