New Books in Critical Theory
Martyn Percy, "The Crisis of Colonial Anglicanism: Empire, Slavery and Revolt in the Church of England" (Hurst, 2025)
Feb 21, 2025
Martyn Percy, an accomplished academic and Anglican priest, dives deep into the uncomfortable truths of colonialism's grip on the Church of England. He reveals how English Anglicanism, intertwined with empire and exploitation, faces a crisis of identity and moral reckoning. The discussion spans the church's historical complicity in slavery, its evolving role post-revolution, and the current calls for reform amid declining influence. Percy urges a reckoning with the past while emphasizing the need for the Church to engage genuinely with contemporary issues of justice and equality.
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Quick takeaways
- The Church of England's historical connection to colonialism and slavery reveals a moral complexity that continues to influence its modern identity.
- Recent societal changes challenge the relevance of traditional Anglican practices, urging the church to rethink its role in contemporary society.
Deep dives
The Intertwined Historical Context of Anglicanism and Empire
The origins of the Church of England are closely linked to the ambitions of Henry VIII, who sought legitimacy and power through the creation of a separate Anglican Church. This church became a crucial part of English colonial ambitions, with early Anglican services occurring as far as the New World during the time of Francis Drake. The church's expansion mirrored England's desire for prominence on the global stage, leading to a geographic spread of Anglicanism rather than a uniform theological framework. This historic entanglement signifies a blend of religious authority and imperial governance that established a complex identity for the Church of England worldwide.
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