II. The Church of England today. We are now in what many call the post-modern era and the Church of England is experiencing a resurgence of interest in matters of faith as well as in the Church itself.
Calls to the ministry are up, giving for the Churchs work is up and the Church is confident that, with and by Gods grace, it can make an increasingly valuable contribution to the life of the nation, its people, and do so far beyond its borders as well. Anglicans are numerous on every continent and constitute the principal Christian community in many areas, notably in Africa. The Book of Common Prayer exists in 170 languages. There are about 45 million Anglicans worldwide.
There are three million Episcopalians in the US.At least one survey indicates that, among all denominations in this country, we have the highest percentage of members who take time for daily prayer. There is little doubt that, among all groups of Christians, we Anglicans are the most diverse and the most tolerant. Anglicans are still facing persecution in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, Communist China, the Soviet bloc nations, Central Africa, and Central America. Throughout the world, over one thousand new Christian churches open their doors each Sunday.
As always, Christianity flourishes wherever it shows people its highest ideals. 1