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Amongst the many cultures that make up the Anglican Communion, there is generally agreement that art matters for Christians. But what art is meant to do in the life of the Church… that is more uncertain.

In this cycle of publications, contributors from different cultures and perspectives within the Anglican Communion share their “arts”, their ways of “expressing the sacred”. No two are the same.

Dan Grayson (England), considers the creativity of both designer and player in video games, and the theological decisions made in the course of playing a video game. 

Lubabalo Xosi (South Africa) considers the tradition and innovation in Anglican Liturgy influenced by Xhosa culture, and how the blend of solemnity and exuberance which that fusion makes possible has influenced his theological identity. 

Emily-Grace Sainsbury (England) shares the theological creative process of creating a tabernacle (place for reserving the sacrament of the eucharist) for a Creation Chapel at a Franciscan Convent.

George Vidiakin (Cyprus) explores the Russian influences on his theology in “A Liturgy for Seeking God’s Face”, blending the Russian liturgy of his upbringing with the Anglican liturgy of his Cypriot context.

Emily Clough (England) shares her experience of writing an icon as a theological endeavour. She describes creative process as a school of both patience and prayer.

Tadiwanashe Mugwenhi (Zimbabwe) considers the theological importance of poetry, how he uses it as a young anglican to analyse his life, and to grow in courage as he lives his faith.

Rachel Revely (England) shares her Stations of Words, created during the pandemic, as pieces of art for visitors to pray with in Lincoln Cathedral. She explores art as an opportunity to lead people on a pilgrimage, and to encounter the divine and the human.

All of these have expressed the sacred in very personal ways. For each of them, their creative theology is a personal theology, as well as a traditional theology. This is very Anglican!

It is worth noting that more of the contributors in this cycle than usual are from England. Why is this? Could it be that there is more art being done in England by Anglicans than in other places? We don’t think so. Creativity is something which everyone has. Everyone creates. Anglicans all over the world express the sacred. But sharing your creativity, sharing your art, is costly, in time and other resources. Not everybody is in a position to do that. The editors are very grateful to all those who have shared their theological ways of expressing the sacred in this cycle of publications. We commend them to you eagerly.