Hub of the anglican and episcopal tradition
First and foremost, Canterbury is the name of a city in southern England. The Anglican / Episcopal tradition, of which our college ministry is a part, has its center in Canterbury, England. Canterbury today is essentially the central hub of the Anglican tradition, which now exists in more than 165 countries around the world. The bishop based in the city of Canterbury is known as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he also serves as leader of the Church of England (the Anglican body in England) as well as being “first among equals” of all bishops and archbishops in the Anglican Communion around the world. The current Archbishop of Canterbury is the Most Reverend Justin Welby, pictured here, and the cathedral at which he is based - Canterbury Cathedral - is pictured above. For more on the history of Canterbury, click here.
**Note: The Archbishop of Canterbury is a different role than a Pope, in that generally the Archbishop of Canterbury has only ceremonial authority outside of the Church of England. |
so what's the connection to college ministry?
Throughout the last century, hundreds of college campus ministries were founded throughout the United States, many with support from what was then called the “National Canterbury Association”. This was partly due to the image of Canterbury as a hub for branching outward - the primary symbol for the Anglican Communion is a compass rose, with arrows pointing outward in all directions. Groups for Episcopalian students were called “Canterbury Clubs”. Today there are a myriad of Episcopal college ministries throughout the United States, and very many of them carry the name “Canterbury”.
We continue to use the name “Canterbury” today for several reasons. First, it connects us to our past and to our Anglican traditions, including to the many Episcopal churches in our area who are constant partners in ministry. The image of Canterbury as a hub also reminds us of our constant mission to reach outward across our campuses and throughout our communities with the love of God.
We continue to use the name “Canterbury” today for several reasons. First, it connects us to our past and to our Anglican traditions, including to the many Episcopal churches in our area who are constant partners in ministry. The image of Canterbury as a hub also reminds us of our constant mission to reach outward across our campuses and throughout our communities with the love of God.
**Photo credits: Archbishop Welby - Anglican Ink.
Content used with permission from Rev. Charles Graves at Houston Canterbury.
Content used with permission from Rev. Charles Graves at Houston Canterbury.