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A  Welcome  and  Introduction,  by the Archbishop.

Welcome & Shalom.

Thank you for browsing this website, and for your interest in the UKAIC.

A historical examination of this Communion depicts that it is rooted in the teaching of the ancient Church enshrined in the Catholic Creeds, and the wisdom of all the Ecumenical Councils of the Christian Church, handed down by our forefathers.  Doctrines that since the Reformation, have been developed and amended to form what we term  either as “The Anglican Tradition,” or “Traditional Anglicanism.”

The Anglican Independent Communion started life in the United States of America, at a time when the old and stable Church of England embarked on its present course of Liberalisation.  Unhappy with the changes to its liturgy, and the movement towards the ordination of women. Many clergy were dismayed and dissatisfied with the direction in which the CofE was heading.

A group of like-minded clergy broke away from the parent Church, and out of this movement the AIC was born.   This branch of the Traditional Anglican Communion was introduced to the UK by Bishop Norman Dutton, who formed the first Diocese of the AIC in these islands.

Later Bishop Dutton was consecrated Archbishop; and the Diocese of the United Kingdom became a Province. The Province was divided into four Dioceses, each with its own Bishop;  and at about the same time, Archbishop Dutton was also appointed the Metropolitan of the Anglican Independent Communion Worldwide.  A position that he held for several years.

Upon Metropolitan Archbishop Dutton’s retirement in 2007ad, Bishop John Rhodes CJ. was elected, and enthroned the new Archbishop in the UK Province.  The workload in this fast growing Communion required that the responsibilities of Archbishop in the UK, and Metropolitan of the Worldwide Communion be separated.  
By the unanimous agreement of the Archbishops’ Camera;  Arzobispo Patricio Viveros Robles, (Archbishop of AIC Chile) was appointed Metropolitan of the Communion that year.

Although the Communion is not yet represented in all countries, It is well established in Britain, Latin America, Australia, India, and in several countries on the African Continent; some of which have very large congregations, and elsewhere in remote locations there may be just a handful of committed worshippers meeting in very primitive conditions. The Communion is healthy, vigorous, and thriving, and continues to grow worldwide;  appealing as it does, to a wide range of churchmanship and practice.

This large Anglican Communion is presided over by an all male clergy; though suitable women can be admitted to the Lay Order of Deaconess.  Anglican worship liturgy is authorised for use in our services (BCP, ASB, CW.)   Recommended Biblical translations are: ( KJ. NKJ & KJ-M.edn. NEB. RSV, & NLT.)

The UKAIC has its own ecumenical Theological, and Clergy Training College. This correspondence College shares its own unique curriculum with the two other colleges in the Communion; one of which is in Latin America, and the other in India.

The governance of the UKAIC is a shared responsibility by the College of its Bishops, presided over by its Archbishop.  It is Trinitarian, and respects the 39 Articles of Religion. Its Bishops enjoy a proven Historic Apostolic Succession. We hold to the Holy orders of Bishops, Priest, and Deacons, in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture,  and insist that those who hold these orders, must be men of high moral character, and have a clear Spiritual vocation.

Men wishing to apply for ordination, or incardination into this Communion, will be required to provide satisfactory character references, and proof of a sound education. They must also be prepared to devote sufficient time to study for an acceptable theological diploma; (should that be required.)

The UKAIC is a living Church, it is not a clergy club.  Its ministers are expected to be active in all aspects of pastoral and priestly ministry, involving themselves with the public, and building worshipping congregations; All under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God, and the discipline of a rigorous daily prayer routine.

The ministry in UKAIC is unpaid from central funds. Clergy are nevertheless expected to co-operate with their Diocesan Bishops, and be self sufficient; supporting themselves by a faith; proven by personal experience; and by their own efforts, fees, and private means.

++John UK



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