Anglican Society

The Anglican Society was formed in 1954 with the express aim of providing for members of the Church of England an opportunity to increase their understanding of its doctrines and teachings.

As the constitution states, the nature and function of the society is contained in the following statement; "The Society exists to provide a means of strengthening fellowship among Anglicans at Victoria College and in increasing the understanding of the Anglican Communion. Its members meet for corporate worship, for discussion and for instruction." This it does by meeting quarterly for the presentation of a paper by some person (lay or clerical) qualified both to speak on the subject and to present it to a body of students who wish to apply reason and understanding by their faith. These papers are followed by general discussion. The Society's aim is also to give Anglican students a chance to join together in worship. To enable this to be done Evensong is said at each of its meetings, and there are celebrations of Holy Communion in neighbouring churches. An annual retreat is held usually in the third term at Wallis House. For the past three years the conductor has been the Society's chaplain, the Rev. Professor G. E. Hughes.

The Society is still young in the life of our College and is still feeling its way. However, a strong nucleus of regular members has grown and in this respect the Society is fortunate in receiving the support of Anglican members of the University staff. The 1956-57 Student Association cards show a considerable increase in the number of students who indicated their interest in the Society, and the committee is hopeful that as Anglican students realise that through the Society they have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Anglican Communion so the Society will continue to grow.

An incidental achievement of the Society is that it enables Anglicans more completely informed on their faith to contribute to the ecumenical problems which are facing Christians today.