New Voices: Threat of Promise?

Abstract

This article uses examples drawn from contemporary Anglicanism to raise the question of the adequate hearing and reception of new voices within the established and mainstream traditions of Christianity. Citing the Indian theologian Christopher Duraisingh, it affirms the need to move beyond the traditional privilege accorded to English and English-speaking theologians, to accept that theology is always emerging from the encounter between tradition and context, and to “break open” the traditional institutions that stifled the diversity of voices within the churches. Listening to other voices casts new light on the Christian doctrines of salvation and incarnation as well as traditional approaches to ethics and worship. It also notes the importance of new voices for raising our awareness of the global and cosmic dimensions of Christian faith and for our relationship to other religious traditions. The article concludes with a challenge to those in positions of ecclesiastical and academic authority to pay special attention to voices which may contribute to their own deeper understanding of Christian faith.