The ‘black hole’ at the centre of the Church of England

It is easy to think that the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) can is being perennially “kicked down the road”.

However, en readers are invited to note that we are about to enter a season in which Diocesan Synods across the Church of England are being invited to hold a special discussion on the proposals. Make no mistake – these discussions will be used to give “ballast” to the project – and the juggernaut will lumber on.

LLF continues to be the “black hole” at the centre of our life – consuming time, prayer and thought when, I think I’m right in saying, most of us just want to get back to what it’s really all about – the gospel, mission and ministry. But this is one of the most divisive and sensitive issues of our time and it is worth contending for.

So, here’s a reminder of how CEEC sees things – an attempt to hold on to 20:20 vision.

1. God’s design is good for all

The Bible offers good news for all and a beautiful story about sex and sexuality (regardless of whether you’re married, single, or same-sex attracted). The Bible is crystal clear (with most liberal scholars agreeing on this). God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman, and this is the best and proper place for sexual intimacy. This is not a new idea. The church, across cultures, continents, centuries and denominations, has upheld this for over 2,000 years.

2. We want to remain in the CofE

This beautiful story of sex and sexuality is captured and celebrated in the doctrine of the CofE. Many of us are Anglican by birth and conviction. We love the CofE and we want to remain part of it. I, for one, was born into a Leicestershire rectory and raised in a clergy family. It’s been my life, my joy and my story, and I don’t want to walk away from it. I love the Biblical clarity of the CofE found in its doctrines and canons. The Thirty- nine Articles may be written in “old language” – but it’s still clear, relevant, Biblical and fit-for-purpose. Our liturgy is peppered with Scripture, our hymns and songs point to the glorious gospel. I love that the parish system is designed and set up to serve all, and that the “flock” is to be pastored and overseen by those called to be bishops.

3. An impossible pursuit

But the LLF project is an impossible pursuit. It is calling into question the Biblical and historical foundations of the church and it is asking us to do the impossible – either to walk in two directions at once or accept that there are not two different directions to start with. We are being asked to “walk well” with an understanding and practice that departs from Anglican teaching and liturgy. It grieves us that this path away from the historic and Biblical doctrine of the CofE is being led by the House of Bishops, the very people entrusted with the spiritual leadership of the church. Untold damage has and is being done to the unity of the Church as a result, not just in England, but across the whole of the global Anglican Communion. And trust is at an all-time low.

Join us

So where does this leave us? We are committed to holding fast to our inherited teaching and doctrine and we need your support to help secure the apostolic faith for future generations. We have engaged in the LLF process at every level but we simply aren’t being heard or, perhaps even worse, we’re being ignored or dismissed. We need to convey the depth and breadth of dismay at this departure from Biblical doctrine. We need to be heard.

Will you stand with us? Pray with us? Write to your bishop? Or accept one of the provisions we’ve put in place – the Ephesian Fund (to be able to give in good conscience) or Alternative Spiritual Oversight (so that you can receive support/accountability from someone whose spiritual authority you respect)? In doing so, can you help us work with our partners in the Alliance to build the De Facto Parallel Province?

There are a number of different visions for the future being painted by different groups and individuals, but the provisions currently on the table (including so-called ‘delegated episcopal ministry’) are woefully inadequate. As we see it, we need a permanent structural settlement that works for all.

With such a settlement, we can get back to living out our call: “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).