The Anglican presbyter as moral leader of the local parish: toward a normative model

Felix Clarence Orji

Etd

The Anglican presbyter as moral leader of the local parish: toward a normative model

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Felix Clarence Orji. The Anglican Presbyter As Moral Leader of the Local Parish: Toward a Normative Model. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/e1613b9b-333a-41a5-9728-6f232b226525.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

F. C. Orji. The Anglican presbyter as moral leader of the local parish: toward a normative model. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/e1613b9b-333a-41a5-9728-6f232b226525

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Felix Clarence Orji. The Anglican Presbyter As Moral Leader of the Local Parish: Toward a Normative Model. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/e1613b9b-333a-41a5-9728-6f232b226525.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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Felix Clarence Orji

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Abstract

In a time of confusion, uncertainty, debate ad division regarding what constitutes right moral behavior, the subject of responsible moral leadership in the churches takes on fresh urgency. But at this very time of need for moral leadership, too many clergy simply mirror the uncertainty or abnegate altogether this responsibility. This thesis addresses the issue specifically in the Anglican context by proposing a model for the Anglican presbyter as moral leader of the local parish. The thesis begins with an overview of the theological and biblical grounds as to the vocation of pastoral leadership in relation to the mission of the church and more particularly what is meant by the moral dimension of such leadership. The wider Christian Tradition in general, as well as the Anglican tradition in particular, are then surveyed for insights into the tasks of moral leadership including the authoritative sources for ethical reflection and moral guidance. Anglican tradition is also studied to derive a sense of the ecclesiastical ethos in which Anglican presbyters must now exercise such leadership. This is followed by a more detailed examination of scripture in regard to what it tells us about moral leadership in general and the tasks, personal qualities, and methods entailed in faithful moral leadership. In light of this material together with current works on the subject, a normative model for moral leadership by Anglican presbyters in the local parish is set forth. With scripture as the primary authoritative source, a proposal is made as to the nature, goals, and guiding principles for such leadership. Six key elements of moral leadership ranging from understanding of the biblical vision of the moral life that is faithful to Christ and the social context in which leadership is exercised, to the moral virtues of a good leader, to personal moral accountability, to the various tasks of a pastoral moral leader, and to the moral significance of the liturgy are explored. Appendixes include a bibliography, a selection from key Anglican documents, a tabular overview, and an outline for educating clergy and lay leaders for church moral leadership.

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