There are a variety of rich Christian traditions—well trodden pathways utilized by those who want to follow Jesus. Our path is the Anglican Way. 

The Anglican Way traces its roots all the way back to the early 2nd Century when Christian missionaries first arrived in the British Isles. Christianity in England was shaped by what became both Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Western Latin Christianity (prior to the Great Schism). But Anglican Christianity always had its own unique flavor distinguishing it from both Eastern and Western Christianity. This uniqueness was further shaped by the spirit and thought of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation and the many reforms that followed in its wake. 

Because of these factors, the Anglican Way has traditionally been known as the “via media,” the middle way between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Its goal has always been a “reformed catholicism”—a return to the faith and practice of the undivided Church of the first 1,000 years. Through its reforms it has sought to preserve what was good and fruitful within the traditions carried down through the first 1500 years of the Church, while reforming Christian theology and practice where it had fallen out of line with Biblical teaching. The result is a Christianity that has a high view of Scripture alongside a high view of tradition, seeing them as intrinsically connected to the same root—Jesus Christ. 

Anglicanism was deeply influenced by St. Benedict and the Benedictine communities that taught and prayed in many of the cathedrals and churches across England. The Book of Common Prayer that Thomas Cranmer compiled reflects the influence of St. Benedict’s wisdom about how to follow Christ. Benedict’s sense of moderation, priority of prayer, and value for work and study have all left their imprint. 

Eucharist Church is enthusiastic about the treasures available to us in the Anglican Way and the The Benedictine Way. They are incredibly valuable in helping us shape a distinctly Christian community life that is bent toward both robust discipleship and passionate mission.