Unashamed Integrity: Stephen Sykes and the ‘crisis’ of Anglican Ecclesiology and Identity

Abstract

This article offers a critical assessment of Stephen Sykes’ contribution to the theology and ecclesiology of Anglicanism, and especially to reflection on Anglican identity. It contextualizes his work in reaction to mid-twentieth century Anglican apologetic, indicating that his criticism of the failure to develop a theological awareness of Anglicanism’s ecclesiological position arose from his conviction that contemporary radical theology risked undermining traditional Anglican practice and belief. Sykes’ appeal for a systematic Anglican theology nonetheless masked a failure to explore sufficiently the relationship between history and theology.