Beating the Bounds: A Symphonic Approach to Orthodoxy in the Anglican Communion

Synopsis: Using the form of the classical symphony as an analytical and critical tool Sidney Green examines the concepts of orthodoxy and heresy and their historical development in the Christian church and applies those to the confessional approach of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Using examples from history of the early church the Reformation and the contemporary emerging church Green examines how the concept of boundaries and the exercise of ecclesiastical authority have been applied. Contemporary attempts to respond to the postmodern paradigm producing a neo-dynamic view of orthodoxy including radical ideas in the area of sexuality are examined. Recognizing a dynamism in Anglican orthodoxy that is still very much alive alongside present attempts of conservative minorities to impose their view on the Communion--sometimes by very devious means--the distinctives of Anglican ecclesiology are discussed in the belief that ecclesiology is the outward expression of what theologically undergirds Anglican orthodoxy. Current attempts to bring harmony and stability in place of fracture and dissonance culminating in the suggestion of an Anglican Covenant are examined. Possible alternate ways forward are suggested centered on the primacy of love. Endorsements: Sidney Green offers an exhaustively researched carefully considered and eminently readable introduction to the current state of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The author is candid in stating his position and drawing on his own experience acknowledging where his thinking has changed. This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand contemporary Anglicanism. --Duncan Reid Honorary Research Associate Melbourne College of Divinity Beating the Bounds is an impressive and imaginatively constructed study of orthodoxy and heresy in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Sidney Green tackles controversial issues relating to ecclesiastical authority with elegance clarity and theological acumen drawing not only from his wide experience as an Anglican minister but also from his own musical background. His original framework of a symphonic structure--complete with a jazz coda--makes this an extremely readable book. I recommend it highly. --Graham Buxton Director Graeme Clark Research Institute Author Biography: Sidney Green (ThD Tabor College Adelaide) is an Anglican priest and has ministered for over forty years in a wide range of parishes and school ministry in the UK and Australia.