Church, Communion, and Culture: Samuel Seabury the Fate of Global Anglicanism

This book makes a bold claim. It argues that the Worldwide Anglican Communion was irreparably broken on a single day: November 14, 1784. The consecration of Samuel Seabury preempted its end. Seabury was the first American bishop. All of the schisms, spats, rows, and divisions that have taken place since are mere aftershocks following a barely noted earthquake in a backstreet of Aberdeen, Scotland. That first fissure leads to all the later fractures that now herald the breakup of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. The book, with hard data, humor, insight, and surprising new facts, explores and explains how Anglican--or Episcopal--faith, belief, and practice remains one single entity. What split the Anglican Communion before it started was the separation of the Old World (Europe, and specifically Britain and the Church of England) and the New World (Continental America). Ultimately, the rejection of monarchy and embracing of democracy will be the fate of the Anglican Communion. Furthermore, it will mark the end of the Church of England as we know it. The book argues it cannot be reformed any further. Only a revolution can save it.