Anglican Identities: Logos Idealism, Imperial Whiteness, Commonweal Ecumenism

The Anglican Communion is at a crossroads, considering its social, political, ecclesiological, and theological commitments. Gary Dorrien's book, "Anglican Identities," argues that Anglicanism has always been ecumenical, with a radical ecumenical vision, but its involvement in white colonialism is at odds with this identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Baylor University Press

The Anglican Communion is currently facing a critical juncture as it grapples with a complex web of social, political, ecclesiological, and theological commitments. In this comprehensive intellectual and political history of Anglicanism, Gary Dorrien explores the origins and evolution of the Communion, tracing its narrative from its ancient and medieval roots through the English Reformation and into the late 20th century. Through his analysis, Dorrien reveals that the challenges facing the Communion today are the culmination of a centuries-long clash of Anglican identities.

Anglican Christianity, as Dorrien argues, is a multifaceted endeavor that encompasses an ecumenical project, situated halfway between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, a theological movement informed by idealism rooted in the incarnational faith of Logos theology, and an imperial enterprise complicit in the racist sickness of Western civilization. This book, which has been in the making for many years, offers a comprehensive, informative, and thought-provoking account of the story of Anglicanism.

Dorrien delves into the key figures, periods, movements, and theological concerns that have shaped the Communion's history, providing a rich interpretation of Anglican Christianity informed by his extensive teaching experience and his unique liberal-liberationist and activist perspective on theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. One of the central themes of Anglican Identities is Dorrien's contention that Anglicanism has always had an ecumenical dimension, with a radical ecumenical vision at its core. Throughout its history, the Communion has embodied and enacted an idealist approach to the claims of the Christian theological tradition, emphasizing the importance of personal experience, social justice, and the pursuit of truth.

However, Dorrien argues that these ecumenical aspirations are deeply intertwined with English Anglicanism's complicity in white colonialism. He points out that the Anglican Church's involvement in the colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia has been marked by a profound disregard for the indigenous cultures and religions of the regions it conquered. The Church's support for slavery, racism, and imperialism has had devastating consequences for the people and communities affected by these policies.

Dorrien's analysis is a sobering reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of Anglicanism's history. While the Communion has made significant contributions to the development of Christianity and Western civilization, its involvement in colonialism and its failure to address the legacy of racism and injustice have left a lasting stain on its reputation. Anglicanism must confront these issues head-on and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

In conclusion, Anglican Identities is a valuable contribution to the study of Anglicanism and its historical development. Through his comprehensive analysis, Gary Dorrien sheds light on the complex web of identities that have shaped the Communion and highlights the challenges and contradictions that have shaped its history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Anglicanism, theology, and the broader social and political context in which it operates.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781481320931