The book contends that the faith tradition’s commitment to collaborate with other Christian communities is at odds with its willing involvement with white supremacy and colonialism.
New York, NY – Today, Rev. Gary Dorrien – a revered theological ethicist, political theologian, historian, and professor at Union Theological Seminary – published a new book exploring the history of the Anglican Communion. The book – Anglican Identities: Logos Idealism, Imperial Whiteness, Commonweal Ecumenism – grapples with the Anglican community’s vision of Christian unity and its deep connections to white supremacy. The hardcover edition of this 642-page book was published on April 29 and the paperback edition will be published in November.
“This book emerged from the class that I teach at Union Theological Seminary on Anglican history and theology,” said Rev. Gary Dorrien. “All the canonical theologians of this tradition from Thomas Cranmer and Richard Hooker in the sixteenth century to Stephen Sykes and Desmond Tutu in the 1980s are there. But the book also intertwines with the theologians an account of the real-world political and imperial history of the Anglican tradition.”
The Anglican Communion is one of the most powerful religious communities in the world. With tens of millions of members, the faith group represents the third largest body of Christians, behind Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
In the book, Rev. Dorrien describes the ancient and medieval development of English Christianity, the rise of two kinds of Protestant orthodoxy within the sixteenth century Church of England, and the subsequent development of Anglican theology.
Rev. Dorrien explained the book’s subtitle. “‘Logos Idealism’ refers to the Anglican emphasis on the Incarnational faith of the early Church and the undergirding roles of Platonist and Hegelian philosophy. ‘Imperial Whiteness’ refers to the British Christian role in the racist pathology of Western Civilization, especially the spectacularly evil Transatlantic Slave Trade. ‘Commonweal Ecumenism’ refers to the theological pluralism within Anglicanism and to the longtime Anglican commitment to bridging the divisions in Christianity. Today, ecumenism includes the imperative work of decolonizing inherited traditions.”
The narrative arc of Anglican Identities ends in the early 1980s. Dorrien plans to write a sequel volume that will begin with the Dalit Theology movement in India.
“We are so proud of Rev Dorrien for releasing yet another insightful, rigorous, and unique piece of religious scholarship. This book really speaks to the heart of Union: To put faith into practice for the common good, we also need to acknowledge that faith has often been twisted and warped for nefarious goals. Only by accepting that reality can we embrace the truth of God’s words, make amends, and build a community of love,” said Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary.
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About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where faith and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other faiths, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 188-year-old seminary.