Oikonomia: On Mission in North America
Dr. Tiffany Butler
This paper explores the Greek term oikonomia in the context of pastoral discernment and the stewardship of God’s household. The paper examines how church leaders balance strict adherence to canon law (akribeia) with pastoral discretion, especially in today’s diverse and mobile North American context. Using historical examples of episcopal authority and overlapping canonical jurisdictions, the study shows how applying discretionary oikonomia can both respect church law and serve the well-being of the wider community, ensuring the church remains faithful, adaptable, and life-giving.
Dr Tiffany Butler is a member of the Anglican Church in North America and is a researcher with the Orthodox Church in America and the Anglican Church in North America Ecumenical Dialogue Task Force. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology, with a concentration in Global Outreach, from Seattle Bible College, as well as a second Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Peace, and Security—focused on Russia and Eastern Europe—from the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies. Dr. Butler also earned a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Just Peacemaking from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Ethics and Practical Theology from the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh. Her research interests include theologies of migration and the historiographical and ecclesiological dimensions of the development of church canons.
The Society of Anglican Theologians (SAT) is an unincorporated non-profit organization serving the ACNA and Church Catholic.
