The absurd, disgraceful, and nonsensical place in which the Church of England finds itself over sexuality should be a source of shame to its bishops.
Quite apart from anything else, they have contrived – through bungling, fudge and first-order ineptitude – to produce liturgy for same-sex relationships without properly deciding all the theological issues first. This was effectively admitted by Christopher Cocksworth – a bishop with a leading role in the process – as long ago as last February, if not quite in those precise words. It was a startling confession from one so intimately involved with this sorry farrago.
Justin Welby has failed to teach from the Bible on this issue. Indeed, he has seemingly failed to say anything significant from Scripture about it, full stop. In the service for ordaining bishops, they promise to ‘teach the doctrine of Christ as the Church of England has received it … refute error … and hand on entire the faith … entrusted …’ It is a woeful neglect – a grave betrayal of trust.
This leaves evangelicals in the CofE in crisis. Inevitably, it seems likely some kind of divide will happen in England just as it did in the USA in similar circumstances, with two separate denominations resulting. This is likely to take time – maybe a decade or two – and will take boldness, steel and sacrifice from CofE evangelical leaders and ministers.
There will rightly be differences of perspective, and conscience, among evangelicals inside and outside the CofE. So the ability to put ourselves in the shoes and minds of brothers and sisters with different views is crucial. As Richard Baxter wrote: ‘We must be very studious of union and communion among ourselves, and of the unity and peace of the churches that we oversee… Instead of quarrelling with our brethren we must combine against the common adversaries.’
en is carrying a range of news and perspectives on these issues. For other articles in this edition with a variety of thoughts see these news items and features below... And have your say (thoughtfully!) via the correspondence section
Hard decisions will have to be made says Benn
A non-conformist view on C of E evangelicals
Screwtape: 'Ludicrous games unfulfilled promises'
Stay, says bishop
CEEC latest
Unity? This spurious unity is sinful and deadly
