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The Church of England cleared from the charge of Schism: Upon Testimonies of Councils and Fathers of the first six centuries

Written by T. W. (Thomas William) Allies

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About this book

"The Church of England Cleared from the Charge of Schism" by Thomas William Allies is a theological treatise written in the mid-19th century. The book aims to address and refute the accusation of schism directed at the Church of England due to its separation from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. Allies engages with historical councils and patristic writings to argue for the legitimacy of the Church of England's position within the broader context of Christian unity. The opening of the work presents the author’s struggle to reconcile his duties as a priest with the historical ramifications of the English Reformation. Allies grapples with the implications of a divided Church and the moral necessity to address the pressing question of whether the Church of England has fallen into schism. He asserts that the church’s current state should not lead to despair but should encourage sincere inquiry into its doctrines as consistent with early Christian teachings. Allies firmly believes in the importance of historical testimony over contemporary interpretations, emphasizing an honest defense of his ecclesiastical identity amidst growing tensions within the church and the broader Christian community.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Church of England cleared from the charge of Schism: Upon Testimonies of Councils and Fathers of the first six centuries, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • scholarly
  • argumentative
  • apologetic

Thomas William Allies's "The Church of England cleared from the charge of Schism" is a pivotal 19th-century theological work defending the legitimacy of the Church of England against accusations of schism following the Reformation. Allies meticulously engages with the testimonies of early Church Councils and Patristic Fathers of the first six centuries, arguing that the English Church's separation from Rome did not constitute a schismatic act according to ancient Christian principles of unity. The book reflects the author's deep personal struggle with ecclesiastical division, asserting the moral imperative for sincere inquiry into historical doctrine. Ultimately, Allies aims to demonstrate the continuity and orthodoxy of the Church of England's position, emphasizing historical testimony as paramount over contemporary interpretations to affirm its ecclesiastical identity.

“"The Church of England, by appealing to antiquity, seeks not a new faith, but the ancient faith, purged of modern corruptions."”

Key themes

Schism and Church Unity
This is the central theme of the book. Allies rigorously defines schism based on early Church understanding, arguing it is not merely separation but separation on grounds contrary to essential doctrine or apostolic order. He explores the historical causes and consequences of division, seeking to demonstrate that the Church of England's Reformation actions were not schismatic but a legitimate return to ancient purity, thus affirming its place within the broader Christian unity.
Patristic and Conciliar Authority
Allies places immense weight on the testimonies of the early Church Fathers and the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils. This theme highlights the belief that the purest form of Christian truth and ecclesiastical order is found in the first six centuries of Christianity. Allies uses this authority as the benchmark against which the Church of England's actions and Roman Catholic claims are measured.
Anglican Identity and Catholicity
The book is fundamentally an assertion and defense of Anglican identity, specifically its claim to be a branch of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Allies argues that the Church of England, despite its separation from Rome, maintained essential catholicity by retaining apostolic succession, valid sacraments, and orthodox doctrine, while rejecting what it considered later, erroneous developments within the Roman Church.

Worth discussing

How does Allies define 'schism,' and how does his definition compare to contemporary understandings?

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