UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH OF IRELAND (1)

 

WHERE  WE ARE COMING FROM

18th century - Agricultural revolution

19th century - Industrial revolution

20th century - Technology revolution

 

16th century - Ideas revolution.    What single factor most assisted the spread of ideas?

Continental reformers - John Calvin, Martin Luther, Jan Huss

English reformers - John Wycliffe, ArchbishopThomas Cranmer, Bishops Latimer and Ridley.  Every side has its martyrs.

 

In German states if the prince became protestant, the people also. If prince remained Catholic, the people too. The ordinary people didn't have a great choice.  It was a feudal society. The ruler had absolute authority. It was very difficult to disagree and keep your head. Tolerance is a modern virtue.

 

In England - Ideas revolution. The political dimension - national independence movement, a desire to reduce the power of the pope. The personal dimension - conflict over the marriage/ divorce controversy.

 

The aim of the english reformers was one National church, with moderate reform. They didn't want change going too far.  A middle way. (via media). They retained catholic order. - Bishops, Priests and Deacons. They saw themselves as Apostolic, Catholic and Reformed, as representing continuity with the past. e.g. when you wash your face, it is still the same face. Not a new church.

 

Implementation

1538 Bible in English.  Cup at Holy Communion restored to the laity

Abolition of the monasteries / religious orders.  state pensions for the monks.

church property confiscated by the state.  Clergy permitted to marry.

 

1549 Book of Common Prayer  - One service book, in english.  "Catholic"

           Daily services, emphasis on reading the Bible through continuously.

           Old Testament to be read once p.a., New Testament to be read twice p.a.

 

(Henry V111 remained a catholic. Fid. def. (defender of the faith) on coins was awarded to him by the pope for his writings in favour of the catholic position.)

 

1552 Book of Common Prayer. "Protestant". priest to face people (North side)

The church went "back" under Mary Tudor, and "forward" under Elizabeth 1.

1611 Authorised Version of the Bible

1662 Book of Common Prayer - combined elements of 1549 and 1552 and fused them together.

 

 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The Church of Ireland is a constituent part of the world wide Church of Christ, The Catholic (ie. Universal) Church, and a member of the world wide Anglican Communion, the family of episcopal reformed churches. The Catholic Church is One under Jesus Christ in spite of man made divisions. Someone joining the Church of Ireland moves from one part of the Catholic Church to another, if they are already Baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity.

As Irish Anglicans, we believe:

1.     That we are an integral part of the Catholic church.

2.     There is one God.

3.     Jesus Christ is the Divine Son of God, who died on the cross, to atone for the sins of men and women, who rose again from the dead and ever lives to intercede for us.

4.     The Historic creeds - Nicene, Apostles and Athanasian- sum up the Christian faith.

5.     The Christian life is one of duty to God and to man. 

6.     The Bible is the inspired word of God that leads us to God. It is not however to be regarded as an infallible book, replacing an infallible church. Anglicans value the three-fold cord of Scripture, Reason and Tradition (the early Church fathers).

7.     In our Christian Discipleship, worship, prayer, fellowship and the reading of the Scriptures are vital ingredients.

 

Historic Documernts - The 39 Articles. 1562 (London) 1634 (Dublin)

Broadly Calvinist in doctrine.

Protestants honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, consistent with the place accorded to her in Holy Scripture.

Two sacraments - Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Should be noted for personal devotion through private prayer and bible study.

Sunday observance. Freedom of conscience and private judgement.

Recognise the validity of catholic orders. Offer Eucharistic hospitality.

The contribution of music in worship. Lay involvement in ministry.

Church Calendar includes: events in Our Lord's life, New Testament saints and saints of the Irish church.