Anglo-Catholic; A Living Tradition

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What does this mean?

St John’s has always been part of the Anglo-Catholic movement – which emerged in the late 1800s with a desire to embody and embrace the wide history of rich and symbolic services, and which hinted at both beauty and contemplation.
Anglo-Catholic is still very much part of the Church of England, and in its history it was often at the forefront of social care and political reform. Anglo-Catholic churches were often established in the poorest of neighbourhoods; and saw themselves as worker communities, ‘sleeves rolled up’, campaigning for welfare and compassion, whilst in their services offering glimpses of beauty and affirming value and worth. A combination of the social and the spiritual.

Nowadays many Anglo-Catholic churches describe themselves as ‘Affirming’ or ‘Inclusive’ This means that they are trying to embody a sacred affirmation of all people – embracing the diversity of sexuality, gender, race and disability – and standing with the most disadvantaged in society. St John’s is one such Church.

The word ‘tradition’ can mean different things; ‘traditionalism’ suggests looking back to past glories – resistant to change. We prefer to think of a ‘living tradition’ which takes the riches of the church’s deep thinking and practice whilst looking towards the future.

The world faces huge and unprecedented challenges – politically, socially, environmentally and spiritually. We hope that ‘this living tradition’ may offer resources to thinking honestly and creatively about hope, lament, solidarity and a faith which reveals the Divine in the most surprising places.
Why not join us one day?

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