Jackson on Article XX: Of the Authority of the Church

After denying the infallibility of local Churches at the end of the last Article, it is natural that the next should define exactly what is the func- tion and authority of the Church. This it does in three ways.

(1) “ The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies,”’

Here its authority is legislative. Our Prayer Book is a good instance of the exercise of this power (see Cranmer’s Preface ‘‘ Of Cere- monies ’’). The statement of the Article was needed because of the Puritan claim that the Bible is the sole authority in rites and ceremonies, as well as in matters of faith.

(2) “‘ The Church hath … . authority in Con- troversies of Faith.’’

Here its authority is only judicial. The Church cannot decree doctrines. It can only decide, in controversies of faith; what doctrine is in ac cordance with Holy Scfipturé (#.g., The Ari Controversy).

(3) “ The Church (is) a witness and keeper of

holy Writ.’’ nt

That is to say, the Church defines what is Holy

Scripture and guards the truth which Scripture

reveals. It is not the oracle of truth, as the

Roman Church claims, but is ‘‘ entrusted with the oracles of God ”’ (Rom. iii., 2).

The Article carefully defines the limits of the Church’s authority. It must not ‘‘ ordain any- thing contrary to God’s word written ’’; nor ‘‘ so expound one place of Scripture, that it be re- pugnant to another ’’; nor ‘‘ enforce anything to be believed for necessity of Salvation ’’ beyond that which is laid down in Holy Scripture. - The phrase ‘*‘ God’s Word written ’’ is important as affirming the Inspiration of the Bible and ex- cluding the Roman theory of supplementary tradition.

ARTICLE XXJI. Or tHE AUTHORITY OF GENERAL CouncILs.