Theological reflections

Renewal & Reform is a deep-rooted approach to change in the Church of England that must be based on a robust theological understanding and so we have commissioned a number of theological reflections.

Each writer brings their own perspective and an independent mind. We are confident that each piece will make a stimulating contribution; we are equally confident that together they will help us discern challenges, provide insights and commend ways of working that will both shape what we do and how we do it as well as hold us accountable for our future working.

A Future that's Bigger than the Past: Renewal and Reform in the Church of England by Revd Canon Dr Sam Wells
This essay seeks to identify the unique character of the Church of England and how it may fulfil its responsibilities and take its opportunities in order to flourish in the 21st century.

'The task for the Church of England in the twenty-first century is not to become Goliath again. It's to become David - the David who had five smooth stones - but knew exactly how to use them; the David people instantly called to mind when they encountered the disarmed, disarming figure of Jesus.' [Read]

The Roots of Renewal and Reform by Revd Canon Jeremy Worthen
In the second of our essays exploring the theology of Renewal & Reform the Revd Canon Jeremy Worthen, Secretary for Ecumenical Relations and Theology of the Council for Christian Unity, digs deep into the roots of Renewal & Reform.

'So we know we're swimming against the tide when we seek to think and act as the church, not just as individuals trying to affect an institution. If we are going to avoid getting dragged along by the current here, we will need a strong sense of who we are as the church called to share in God's mission.' [Read]

Come as we are: re-visioning the landscape of BAME involvement and representation in the Church of England by Revd Dr Sharon Prentis
Dr Prentis reviews the failings of the Church in recognising key barriers to greater inclusion of BAME people within the church. This theological piece underpins the structural changes that are taking place within the Church to enable greater inclusion in all areas of minority ethnic Anglicans.  

'Paul writing to a heterogeneous congregation reminds those in Rome that God’s grace is for both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 1–3). By doing so, he challenges ethnocentrism in the early church by warning them against arrogance and ethnic pride, exhorting them to live together in Christian unity (Rom 2:17–29; Rom 11:17–24).' [Read]