Rowan Williams and his Foundations for Anglican Unity: A Book Review

Paul writes – I’ve lately been reading quite a bit about, or by, the current Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, so at the outset of this book review, let me put my cards on the table: I appreciate Williams. He’s a person I find fascinating, inspiring, helpfully controversial, and always thought provoking (although at times his thinking can be almost impenetrable).

Williams walks a lonely and extremely difficult, yet in my view hopeful, middle ‘road’ between highly politicized and emotionally charged interest-groups seemingly intent on pulling a longstanding communion apart. 

“He is a complex man who espouses complex views which are subtle to the point of being apophatic. He errs on the side of inclusivity. He strives to keep open theological options until they have been freely and fairly resolved. [Historical characters, from whom Williams finds encouragement] found ways to accommodate their differences and maintain unity in the Church” … “Community”, Williams believes, “is the primary expression of the Risen Christ.” 

So writes Rev. Dr. Bryce McProud, the Episcopalian rector of St. Matthew’s church (catholic & evangelical) in Eugene, Oregon. He is the author of the fascinating little book (61 pages including bibliography), Common Experience and the Accommodation of Differences: The Foundation for Unity in Rowan Williams’ View of the Church (pub. Feb. 2005).

Review attached below:

Download paul_fromont_book_review_common_experience_and_the_accomodation_of_differences.pdf

Comments

[Tom Allen]

What McProud misses about Rowan is that this desire to sit in the middle comes not from his own personal theological convictions (which for example would clearly be in favour of gay clergy etc)but from his understanding of the ecclesiology of the role of Archbishop (and Canterbury as "primus inter pares")as a symbol of unity. It would a great irony that the Anglican Communion might break up under the leadership of perhaps the most theologically gifted ABC for many a generation - but this may cause it cos they know they cannot leave on theological grounds so leave for social and political reasons.So it is the "role" rather than the person at work in Rowan.

[Paul Fromont]

Hi Tom. Thanks for your comment. McProud, certainly from my reading does acknowledge the influence upon Williams of his role as "primus inter pares".

Other than that, I agree with you. More on Williams on this blog over the next week or so.

PAX.