A response to globalisation from the anglican communion with special reference to communication, social justice and culture

Abstract

The contemporary Anglican Communion appears to be under many strains and pressures. It looks as if at the point of coming together the Anglican Communion is on the edge of disintegration. In order to overcome these internal pressures of self-destruction the Anglican Communion needs to find a unity of purpose that encourages the Communion to look outwards in order to serve the world and play its part in building the Kingdom of God. The unity of purpose, this thesis argues for, is to grapple with the issue of globalisation. Globalisation is a vast subject and has many constituent parts these may include the environment, religion, economics etc. The thesis has chosen three subject areas to provide focus for this study which are technology, economic injustice and culture. In order to develop a response from the world-wide Anglican Communion to globalisation it was important not to marry the two movements together. It was therefore necessary to steer clear of the temptation of producing a 'globalised Christ' made in the image of the West. Rather the thesis points to the person of Jesus from Nazareth in order to counterbalance the excesses of globalisation and to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who do not benefit from globalisation. The response given may have limitations but it is meant to be a first step rather than the whole journey. The hope is that the response given will encourage further reflection and engagement.