Wesleycan

Wesleycanism is a term that refers to individuals who are both Wesleyan and Anglican in theology, spirituality, and practice of ministry. Wesleycans look to John Wesley as their spiritual father and claim Anglicanism as their Church tradition. However, there are also Methodists who claim the connection between Wesley and Anglicanism.
Wesleycan Beliefs

Wesleycans receive The Book of Common Prayer as set forth by the Church of England in 1662, as a standard for Anglican doctrine and discipline, and worship. They have a particular reverence for the Works and Sermons of John Wesley and the hymns of Charles Wesley. Many hold to the 39 Articles of the Book of Common Prayer.
John Wesley the Anglican
John Wesley and his brother Charles were both ordained clergy of the Church of England. Although they were the founders of the Methodist movement, it is important to mention that it was never their intentions to separate from the Church of England; rather they believed that Methodism was a renewal movement within the Church. According to Kenneth J. Collins, the tradition that had the greatest influence on Wesley was Anglicanism.
Anglicanism was perhaps the greatest influence in shaping Wesley’s view of church tradition. He was immersed in the social and religious culture of the Church of England. He grew up the son of an Anglican priest. He devoured Anglican homilies and devotional literature from a young age. Three major English works that influenced Wesley were Bishop Taylor’s Rules and Exercises of Holy Living and Dying, Kempis’s Christian’s Pattern, and Mr. Law’s Christian Perfection and serious Call. He was educated at Oxford and was ordained to the Anglican priesthood. His love for the Church of England can also be seen in the fact that he never wanted Methodism to become a separate church, but to bring renewal to the Church of England. Thus, Wesley was the first Wesleycan.
Wesleyan-Anglicans Today
Wesleycans come in many different shapes and sizes and are very diverse; ranging from traditional to contemporary and are united in the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. There are “high church” and “low church” Wesleycans. They are a growing movement within the Anglican Church in North America which include lay people, clergy, and scholars a like.

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