I have a new piece up at the Episcopal Cafe.

It’s an appreciation of the long-reviled phrase: “That is the way we’ve always done it…”

Much of it was prompted by reflections I’ve been having regarding the connection between ceremonial and theology, specifically how ceremonial tends to be a very local phenomenon.

One thing I touched on at points that needs to be teased out better is a distinction between incarnation, identity, and idiosyncrasy. I think the best place to start towards a good distinction of these is to note that idiosyncrasy occurs when local practice or customs begin to threaten catholicity. I need to put more language around that though—I think it serves as a rough-and-ready measure but it needs to acquire some nuance…

In any case—enjoy!