The Orthodox Anglican Church is a conservative Anglican denomination that believes in the authority of the Bible and the historic teachings of the Christian faith. Established in the 1970s as a response to the liberalization of the Anglican Communion, the Orthodox Anglican Church seeks to preserve traditional Anglican beliefs and practices.
History of the Orthodox Anglican Church
The Orthodox Anglican Church was formed in 1977 by a group of Anglican bishops who were concerned about the liberalization of the Anglican Communion. They believed that the Anglican Church was moving away from its traditional beliefs and practices, particularly in regards to issues such as the authority of the Bible, the nature of salvation, and the role of women in the church.
The founders of the Orthodox Anglican Church sought to create a conservative alternative to the Anglican Communion that would be faithful to the historic teachings of the Christian faith. They believed that the Bible was the inspired and authoritative Word of God and that salvation was only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
Beliefs of the Orthodox Anglican Church
The Orthodox Anglican Church embraces traditional Anglican beliefs and practices, including the use of the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. They believe in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Orthodox Anglican Church also holds to a conservative view of morality and ethics. They believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and that sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful. They also oppose abortion and euthanasia.
Structure of the Orthodox Anglican Church
The Orthodox Anglican Church is structured around the traditional Anglican model of bishops, priests, and deacons. The bishops are considered the spiritual leaders of the church and are responsible for overseeing the work of the priests and deacons.
The Orthodox Anglican Church is also divided into dioceses, which are overseen by a bishop. Each diocese is made up of a number of parishes, which are led by a priest. Deacons assist the priests in their work.
Relationship with Other Anglican Churches
The Orthodox Anglican Church is not recognized by the wider Anglican Communion, which includes the Church of England and the Episcopal Church in the United States. However, the Orthodox Anglican Church has formed relationships with other conservative Anglican groups around the world.
These relationships have been strained at times, particularly in regards to issues such as the ordination of women and the acceptance of homosexuality. However, the Orthodox Anglican Church remains committed to its conservative beliefs and practices.
Conclusion
The Orthodox Anglican Church is a conservative Anglican denomination that seeks to preserve traditional Anglican beliefs and practices. It was formed in response to the liberalization of the Anglican Communion and remains committed to its conservative beliefs and practices.
While the Orthodox Anglican Church is not recognized by the wider Anglican Communion, it has formed relationships with other conservative Anglican groups around the world. These relationships have been strained at times, but the Orthodox Anglican Church remains committed to its conservative beliefs and practices.