At a time when Anglicans are in what many call a crisis and trying to define common foundations that would bind them as a global body, the bishop of one of the largest Anglican provinces asks "What is Anglicanism?"
The nature of the crisis in the Anglican Communion has often been identified as the issue over homosexuality, but Archbishop Henry Orombi of the Church of Uganda stressed that the heart of the crisis is the "risk of losing our biblical foundation.""We in the Church of Uganda are convinced that Scripture must be reasserted as the central authority in our communion," he stated. "The basis of our commitment to Anglicanism is that it provides a wider forum for holding each other accountable to Scripture, which is the seed of faith and the foundation of the Church in Uganda."
A growing number of conservative congregations have severed ties with The Episcopal Church - the US branch of Anglicanism - which they believe has departed from scriptural authority and Christian orthodoxy. The 2003 consecration of an openly gay bishop had heightened the controversy and further indicated the US body's "leftward drift."
In the Global South, which houses the largest Anglican provinces, the majority of Anglicans oppose The Episcopal Church's recent actions and have called for true repentance as they seek to uphold Scripture.
As Nigerian Archbishop Peter J. Akinola said earlier, "All we are saying is, do not celebrate what the Bible says is wrong," he told The Times newspaper.
"In Uganda, the Bible has grown into a cherished source of authority that is central to Christian faith, practice, and mission. For all God's people, obedience to this Bible is the source of confidence, abundant life, and joy. It is an absolute treasure that no one can take away," said Orombi. "[T]he Word of God has withstood the test of time. The Bible is at the heart of our Anglican identity, and we Ugandan Anglicans joyfully submit to its life-giving and transforming authority."
