Ridley Melbourne’s Michael Bird asks in the wake of the Gafcon announcement of the Global Anglican Communion – a reset of the links between national Anglican churches.
“Am I still Anglican? Because, according to GAFCON, you cannot be Anglican and be in communion with the See of Canterbury.
However, as part of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, which is part of the Anglican Province of Australia, and in communion with the See of Canterbury, Michael questions his affiliation.
“So, based on the GAFCON re-definition or re-ordering of Anglicanism, no, I am not Anglican.”
Despite this, it is argued that Michael is indeed Anglican, as one can be Anglican without a direct link to the mother Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Author's summary: Anglican identity debated.