We stand by the Prayer-book and by the church as that book gives it to us.--We teach the faith of the creeds. We set forth the church as catholic, as the creeds teach us.

We celebrate the holy sacrament with a reverent and proper ritual, well recognized as lawful and which is actually the use in numbers of our churches here. We sympathize with all that is true in the great catholic revival of to-day. I...speak after no consultation with the men in the field and with no other authority than that of being their fellow worker. I do not think they would disavow this, if this be "ritualism."

To me the services at St. John's seem cold and stiff. We walk in the fetters of Western ideas and formulas unsuited to an Asiatic nation. To their minds our services must seem cold. To their minds used to the outward expression of religious sentiments an ornate ritual which we could not use would seem inexpressive, and the scanty symbolism which we actually offer must be greatly inadequate. [Other missions far outstripping ours in results have no ritual whatever, showing conclusively that it is the gospel that is wanted and not ritual.]

It is time that the church should cease speaking of high and low and all that, and set itself to the task of converting China.

--F.R. Graves in a Letter to the Southern Churchman, September 15, 1883; emphasis mine

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • * Christian Life / Church Life • Church History • Missions • * International News & Commentary • Asia • China

1. Helen wrote: I highly recommend Brother Yun’s Living Waters on this topic.  He criticizes denominations for coming into China and trying each to force their particular brand of Christianity onto the Chinese.  The independent house church movement thrives without the denominational fetters. May 1, 7:47 am | [comment link]

2. Fr. Dale wrote: I am somewhat confused by the opening paragraphs in the thread.  It seems like the paragraphs are by different authors and when one begins to read the letters in full, the numerous names make things even more confusing. Is this about High vs Low church, a letter against the consecration of a Bishop, a complaint against the missionary methods employed or simply criticism of the politics of PECUSA. May 1, 7:54 am | [comment link]

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