T. W. (Thomas William) Allies
The Church of England cleared from the charge of Schism
Upon Testimonies of Councils and Fathers of the first six centuries
"The Church of England Cleared from the Charge of Schism" by Thomas William Allies is a theological treatise written in the mid-19th century. The book aims to address and refute the accusation of schism directed at the Church of England due to its separation from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. Allies engages with historical councils and patristic writings to argue for the legitimacy of the Church of England's position within the broader context of Christian unity. The opening of the work presents the author’s struggle to reconcile his duties as a priest with the historical ramifications of the English Reformation. Allies grapples with the implications of a divided Church and the moral necessity to address the pressing question of whether the Church of England has fallen into schism. He asserts that the church’s current state should not lead to despair but should encourage sincere inquiry into its doctrines as consistent with early Christian teachings. Allies firmly believes in the importance of historical testimony over contemporary interpretations, emphasizing an honest defense of his ecclesiastical identity amidst growing tensions within the church and the broader Christian community.