Scripture in Classical Anglicanism

The Place of Scripture — A Core Mark of Authentic Anglicanism

At the heart of authentic Anglican life is a simple but profound conviction: God speaks through his word.

Scripture isn’t just one voice among many—it is our final authority, the bedrock on which our faith, worship, and daily discipleship rest. Anglicans have always been a biblicalpeople, confident that the Scriptures are God’s reliable, sufficient, and life-giving revelation.

This commitment fits beautifully with our Mission and Vision at Holy Trinity, Launceston CBD, St Andrew's Church, Evandale, st Matthias' Church, Windermere & St James' Church, Youngtown/ Franklin Village:

We exist to know Christ, grow in Christ and share Christ.

We aim to be faith communities that are Rooted in Scripture, Rich in Worship and Reaching our Communities with the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

Scripture is God’s primary tool for forming disciples, shaping communities, and sending us out in mission.

Here are a few key truths we uphold in the Parish of Holy Trinity:

Scripture is God’s living word.

Through the Bible, God reveals his character, his saving purposes in Christ, and his will for our lives—calling us to follow Jesus in every corner of Tasmania.

Scripture stands above every human authority.

Tradition, reason, and church structures all serve under the Scriptures—not alongside or above them. This keeps our mission grounded, humble, and focused on Jesus.

Scripture shapes our worship.

Our liturgy, prayers, creeds, and preaching all flow from the Bible’s teaching. Cranmer designed the Prayer Book so that ordinary Christians would be soaked in Scripture—an essential foundation for disciple-making communities.

Scripture is clear and sufficient.

The Bible contains everything necessary for salvation and for faithfully following Jesus. No matter where we live, from the West Coast to the East, from the North to the South, Scripture equips us for gospel ministry.

Scripture forms us as disciples.

As we hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest God’s word, the Spirit reshapes us into the likeness of Christ. This is exactly the kind of transformation that fuels the diocesan vision.

In a world full of shifting voices and competing truths, we are called—as Anglicans and as disciples—to be anchored in God’s word.

Let’s continue to be a church for Tasmania, making disciples of Jesus by listening to Scripture with humility, confidence, and joy—trusting that God still speaks, still saves, and still transforms through his living and active word. 

Yours in Christ,
Lee Shirvill

Senior Minister
Parish of Hoy Trinity
Four Centres - All One in Christ Jesus

22 December 2025