The following is an outline of a presentation given by Dr. Radner at the Wycliffe Hall conference, June 2007.
Remarks in this discussion build on the previous reflections on the "search for one-mindedness", according to Philippians 2.
1. One-mindedness leads to a common confession. But "confession" -- "speaking as one" - is bound to the same context of attitudes as one-mindedness, and cannot preempt the character of its search.
2. The history of "confessionalism" in Anglicanism, exemplified by the fate or role of the Articles of Religion, demonstrates how incapable the Anglican Church has been in using such statements for the purpose of finding, let along living in, "one mind".
3. However, just this history of incapacity, has been expressed in the emergence of the Communion as it has lifted up the vocation of Anglicanism as a servant of unity in the faith, on behalf of the larger Christian Church.
4. What form does this vocation take in relation to the goal of a "speaking as one", of "confession"? It takes the form of "learning" -- Calvin's docilitas or "teachableness". Learning rather than defining, in the face of the Word of God.
5. This form is also the conciliar form of the Church that the proposed Covenant has lifted up in a broad way in its valuing of the Scriptures, common counsel, and mutual subjection within council.
Remarks in this discussion build on the previous reflections on the "search for one-mindedness", according to Philippians 2.
1. One-mindedness leads to a common confession. But "confession" -- "speaking as one" - is bound to the same context of attitudes as one-mindedness, and cannot preempt the character of its search.
2. The history of "confessionalism" in Anglicanism, exemplified by the fate or role of the Articles of Religion, demonstrates how incapable the Anglican Church has been in using such statements for the purpose of finding, let along living in, "one mind".
3. However, just this history of incapacity, has been expressed in the emergence of the Communion as it has lifted up the vocation of Anglicanism as a servant of unity in the faith, on behalf of the larger Christian Church.
4. What form does this vocation take in relation to the goal of a "speaking as one", of "confession"? It takes the form of "learning" -- Calvin's docilitas or "teachableness". Learning rather than defining, in the face of the Word of God.
5. This form is also the conciliar form of the Church that the proposed Covenant has lifted up in a broad way in its valuing of the Scriptures, common counsel, and mutual subjection within council.
