I. The Threefold Anglican Ministry in the Writings of Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker and Jeremy Taylor
Following Henry VIII's death, the English Ordinal continued the traditional structuring of the Church of England's threefold ministry. Although the three historic ministries of bishop, priest, and deacon survived, the theological reasoning for retaining them varied. The sacerdotal role of the priesthood and the apostolic succession of bishops were at the heart of the debate.
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II. William Laud (1573 - 1645) - Writings on the Church, Ministry and Sacraments
William Laud envisioned the Church of England as a via media (middle way) embracing the higher principles of the Reformation and the Catholic and Apostolic faith. However, this vision was significantly less successful than his liturgical legacy. Laud's struggles addressing the rise of non-conformity and the powerful forces gathering beyond his control in the run-up to the Civil War in England echo the many challenges of the Anglican Church today.
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III. Free Paper authored by M.R. Osborne
John Thornhill (1551-1641): Anatomy of an Alchemist's Tomb
In the northeast corner of the nave at Worcester Cathedral, England, lies the tomb of John Thornborough (1551-1641), an Anglican bishop and chaplain to Elizabeth I. Thornborough was the Bishop of Worcester for twenty-three years, and among his connections was John Hall, the son-in-law of William Shakespeare. His resplendent Jacobean tomb was self-designed 14 years before his death and is decorated with ciphers and symbols. The published guide to Worcester Cathedral describes Thornborough as an alchemist "addicted to obscure and fantastic studies." It refers to his tomb as having "bewildering inscriptions on the canopy." It is a gem of a monument for the esoterically minded pilgrim.
