CofE evangelicals 'implored' to join key local groups

The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has implored orthodox Anglicans across the country to join their local Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship (DEF). 

DEFs were the brainchild of John Stott back in the 1960s. They still exist today and some would say are a ‘lifeline’ to and between the many orthodox Anglicans across the country who are feeling increasingly isolated by and wearisome of the Living in Faith process and resulting proposals.

CEEC has given five reasons why it believes joining your local DEF today is critical:

1. DEFs are for all Anglicans – men and women, members of churches and their clergy. They were set up to help bring unity among orthodox evangelicals in the Church of England and they span the entire constituency with members from New Wine, Renew, Junia, Church Society, Living Out, JAEC and others.
2. DEFs have proven vital in enabling churches to work together to amplify their voice in their diocese. This has been the case throughout the progression of the Living in Love and Faith process and we believe there is real power on a local level in coming together in this way.
3. DEFs provide a safe space for orthodox Anglicans – both clergy and lay - to gather to pray.
4. DEFs provide support - Many have benefitted from the strong support they have received from others in their local DEF, with one saying 'if it wasn’t for my DEF, I’d have been completely alone'.
5. DEFs empower local churches to exert strategic influence in many areas of diocesan life, but especially around elections.

John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, said: 'Our message is clear. At a national level at CEEC, we are doing everything we can to fight for what we need to enable orthodoxy to continue to flourish in the Church of England, in the face of liberalism. Joining your DEF is something you can do to stand with us at this time.'

You can find a comprehensive list of DEFs here - https://ceec.info/defs/