Unashamed Anglicanism

In Unashamed Anglicanism, Stephen Sykes asserts the value of taking seriously the roots and doctrines of the Anglican tradition and endeavours to reveal something of its true identity. To be unashamed of Anglicanism implies an understanding and appreciation of the contradictions and strengths of the Anglican inheritance.
The first part of the book looks at Anglicanism's roots, and explores five aspects of its inheritance of faith, specifically in relation to the sacraments and ministry. Stephen Sykes acknowledges his Anglican forebears, and shows that the classic documents and writers of the Anglican past, including Thomas Cranmer, Richard Hooker and George Herbert, contain truly inspiring richness of theological insight
The second section argues that Anglicans, contrary to popular belief, do have unique doctrines of their own which must be openly stated. He offers suggestions of the ways in which these doctrines can be explained and examines the questions of the Anglican understanding of the Church, and attitudes to power and authority.
In the final section, the Anglican tradition is 'put to work' as Stephen Sykes expounds an Anglican theology of evangelism, showing that there can be a biblical approach to evangelising which rests in the Anglican tradition of liturgical praise. Fittingly, he ends with a piece on the 'genius' of Anglicanism - the distinguishing temper of mind which characterises it - concluding that while Anglicanism may be struggling to preserve its identity, its failings and weaknesses are far from mortal: 'Provided Anglicans recognise contradiction when it occurs, and do not fail to appreciate the depth of other traditions, their own tradition can be an astonishing joy and liberation.'