Anglican Church Polity

There seems to be much confusion at Christ Church about the role of dioceses and bishops. Perhaps this is because many here are new Anglicans, and there may even be some carryover anger and mistrust of the idea from some of us who came kicking and screaming from the Episcopal Church.

I confess that I am personally wired for a more congregational view of church polity, and as rector of several churches over the years, I sometimes acted as if we were congregational. But I have come to see the wisdom and blessings of serving under a bishop and in partnership with a diocese.

Being “Anglican” means, by definition, that we exist for ministry through our bishop. Anglicans have always understood that the local congregation is the main unit of ministry, but we locate our congregational life as an extension of our bishop’s ministry in central Phoenix. The word “episcopal” is the English equivalent of the Greek New Testament word for bishop or overseer. The early church fathers defined the role of bishop with three complementary functions: Ignatius of Antioch (eucharistic president); Irenaeus (chief teacher); and Cyprian (administrative leader) – eucharistic unity, doctrinal unity, and administrative unity. There are other models for church governance, but as Anglicans we sign up for partnership with a bishop, and our bishop is Keith Andrews. We serve under Keith’s leadership, pray for him (and Gail), and live in concert with other Anglican churches in the Arizona Deanery and the Diocese of Western Anglicans.

Being “episcopal” in our governance also means that matters of church life and ministry are decided on a representative, not congregational, basis. We don’t gather every year to decide if we want to keep our rector, or to choose what brand of toilet should replace the broken ones. Instead we entrust to the church staff and to the (prayerfully) elected members of our Vestry the responsibilities of managing and maintaining our mission, overseeing our budget, and keeping us true to our core values. It’s also the vestry’s responsibility to select a new rector when there is a vacancy and to oversee the search process.

For four years I worked very closely with Bishop Andrews, other deans, and with the Executive Committee of the Diocese of Western Anglicans. I didn’t ask to be Dean of Arizona, but I felt it was my responsibility as part of our wider view of ministry. In my many years in ordained ministry I have not had another bishop that I personally respect more. Keith is not perfect and he is a new bishop who is learning how to bishop every day, but there is no question in my mind about his integrity, his passion for our Lord, and his desire to see us prosper and grow in Phoenix. He prays for us!

Next week is our Diocesan Synod gathering in California. Deacon Matt, our wardens and Christ Church delegates will be there to represent us. Please pray for God’s grace and peace to rest on our Synod, and especially on Keith and Gail Andrews, and the substantial ministry of overseeing eight states that compose the Diocese of Western Anglicans.

Ever blessed,

Chuck Collins
Interim Rector