A while back, I had a parishioner ask me, “What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?” Intuitively, I knew there was a difference, but I struggled to articulate it. Over time, and as the idea of “Christian Nationalism” gained momentum, I continued to ponder the question. Personally, I’m very uncomfortable with the way our political leaders are interpreting…
The Very Rev. Chris Findley is Rector of St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Dean of the Nashville Deanery (ADOTS). A graduate of Trinity Anglican Seminary, Chris and his wife, Sheryl, live outside of Nashville and have three children.
Miserable Offenders and the Mercy of God
In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, we confess, “O Lord, have mercy on us, miserable offenders.” Those are deep, strong statements that reveal our condition and status.
The Prayer Book’s Exhortation for Faithful Priests
On a crisp, bright Alabama day in December of 1994, I received my commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. I proudly stood before my friends and family in my dress greens (an abominable polyester creation) as each of us new officers received the gold bars of our new rank. One of…
Faithfulness in Contentious Times: The 12th Homily in the Digital Age
It is no secret that we live in contentious times. Strife and dissension are part of the air we breathe. The tools of the day, particularly social media, serve as rich soil where much of this strife is sown. We generally do not have our arguments down at the local pub or even in local…
The General Confession, Humility, and Healing
The General Confession and the Assurance of Pardon (Absolution) provide us with biblical and true answers to both sides of this equation. As we kneel to confess each week, let us do so with a sober examination of our lives and a grateful heart for Christ’s saving work of redemption.
The Formularies: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Anglican Formularies are the Thirty-Nine Articles, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal (the service for ordaining clergy). A strong case can be made that the Books of Homilies also serve this function. The Formularies provide both cohesiveness and clarity to the Church’s doctrine.
Politics, Perspective, and the People of God
The church’s duty is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his reign, and the coming of his Kingdom. Its primary role is not the advancement of an earthly political agenda.
(Why) Are Priests and the Liturgy Necessary for Holy Communion?
Many people coming into the Anglican tradition from other traditions have questions. Quite often, these questions center on the sacramental nature of the Church. This pattern makes sense. After all, the Anglican Church emphasizes sacraments more than some other branches of the Christian Church. All churches have preachers of the Word. Not all have a…
