Anglicans and The Augsburg Confession of 1530

At best, many Anglicans are only vaguely aware of the Augsburg Confession. Yet, the principles of this Lutheran Confession are embedded in the Anglican tradition. On 25 June 1530, German Lutheran princes, civic leaders, and theologians presented their confession of the Evangelical faith to Emperor Charles V and to the Diet convened at Augsburg. (This year marks the 494th anniversary of that momentous event.) The Augsburg Confession is a clear and relatively concise statement of the theological principles of the conservative Reformation. Among other points, it demonstrates respect for church tradition while also affirming basic Reformation views on Scriptural authority, justification by faith, the nature of the Church, and the importance of the two Gospel Sacraments. Although certainly reflective of its historical context in Germany, the Augsburg Confession has abiding importance as a Christian affirmation.

Both directly and indirectly, the Augsburg Confession has influenced many other formularies. Christians as diverse as John Calvin and Pope Benedict XVI have expressed admiration for its broad Christian principles. Thomas Cranmer and other English reformers were under its direct influence. From the first Book of Common Prayer onward, traditional Anglican liturgies have reflected its principles. The Thirty-Nine Articles reflect attempts to adapt the Augsburg Confession to the English ecclesiastical, cultural, and political situation. The general content and even the exact wording of numerous Anglican Articles reflect familiarity with the Augsburg Confession and other Lutheran works.

So, Anglicans would do well to be more aware of and appreciative of the Augsburg Confession. It is not an official Anglican standard, but it has been influential on Anglican history and doctrine. Its Scriptural principles have perennial value for Anglicans and all Christians!