From Anglican Witness to Anglican With-ness: Navigating Challenges in Global Anglicanism

Abstract

The Anglican Communion today faces profound challenges in maintaining unity amid theological, cultural, and socio-political tensions in its mission. How can Anglican witness evolve in a way that prioritizes relational solidarity over paternalistic mission? Reflecting on the legacy of Anglican mission in Africa, including the “Africa Six” (the six current, women bishops in all of Africa), this essay argues that contemporary challenges can be addressed by missions characterized by Anglican “with-ness.” With-ness is a relational, incarnational approach that prioritizes mutuality, dialogue, and solidarity both among African Anglicans and globally. This Comment is based on a lecture presented at The University of the South in March of 2025.