Nicola Laver interviews the South American bishop who came to the UK on a mission which has unfolded in unexpected ways
An exodus of evangelicals from the Free Church of England (FCE) continues against the backdrop of serious fraud allegations and a culture of secrecy against its senior leadership. Both the police and the charity regulator are investigating a range of allegations against Bishop Primus John Fenwick, who is resisting calls to resign.
Meanwhile, the path ahead for ministers left picking up the pieces is far from clear. Before ministers started to quit, around 20 FCE congregations could be found across England, 25 in South America, and a few elsewhere. The FCE is an Anglican breakaway from the Church of England which dates back to the 19th century.
Among the evangelicals disengaging from the FCE is Josep Rossello, bishop of the FCE South American Diocese. Spanish-born Josep has pastored Christ Church Exmouth since 2019 and resigned in May, describing it as one of the hardest decisions of his life.
Josep, what were your reasons for leaving the FCE?
A series of things made me decide to leave the FCE. I am not at liberty to mention some, as the Charity Commission and the police are investigating. One thing I would say is that I could not stay any longer in the FCE because it was clear that my colleagues did not believe or intend to uphold the denomination’s doctrines, worship, and discipline.
My other reasons were explained in my Resignation Letter which readers can find on my website at https://www.joseprossello. org/2021/05/resignation-from-free-church-of-england.html
I understand that the problems relate to leadership and an unhealthy atmosphere – with no resolution to issues raised.
Let me try to give you a couple of examples of what I consider an unhealthy atmosphere. If you were not in the inner circle, you would be criticised behind your back, kept in the dark – and even falsely accused. Even when direct questions are asked, you won’t receive answers.
When Bishop Primus and the General Secretary saw that they would lose a vote in a committee, they would not allow the vote. They ignored the procedures as presented by the byelaws, constitution and canons. Grown men were scared of what would happen if they spoke openly.
If you did not support their plan, you would be in trouble. For example, articles published by the English press have pointed out what happened to godly ministers, Jonatas Bragatto and Arthur Kay, by such an unhealthy atmosphere. A local congregation was closed [St Stephen’s Church, Middlebrough where the Revd Bragatto was minister] and Arthur Kay lost his licence.
Others are also leaving. I know five churches have already left the FCE and I know five ministers/ordinands and two churches that have not joined the denomination. And we should not forget that a diocese has also left: the South American Diocese alone was larger than the rest of the denomination altogether.
The FCE average Sunday attendance is now around 300 communicants [in total]. It is a sad situation for such a lovely denomination, but sadly, one caused by the leadership. However, they are now saying that we are the ones that caused the problems, spreading doubt and rumours against godly people.
What’s next for you?
That’s the million-dollar question – I have not decided yet. I came to England to help revitalise and plant new churches in the FCE and beyond. My family and I made a big sacrifice, including financially, to do so. However, things have changed now and I am taking time to pray and seek the Lord for what is next.
I don’t want to rush into things. It has been a difficult season for all of us involved in the FCE over the last few years.
At the moment, I am supporting ministers and churches without spiritual oversight, until they decide what is next for them. Some of them were not part of the FCE (but don’t read too much into that!). There is no decision about creating a new denomination, I am just supporting people who need support in a time of need.
What’s next for your congregation?
Christ Church Exmouth was a unique church, the largest within the FCE, with its forward outlook and a clear vision. The previous ministers brought positive emphasis that helped move the church forward.
Now we must discern our identity and listen to God. For that reason, we will take time to consider ‘who we are and who we want to be’. This will take some time to discern.
Will you link up with AMiE?
I like the vision that the Anglican Mission in England has. There is a focus on the gospel and planting churches; however, it is a different church culture and spiritual journey. I am an outsider in more ways than I could say.
However, I like Bishop Andy Lines and believe he is the right man to lead the Anglican network in Europe (ACE and AMiE). He does not have an easy job though, but I believe the Lord has chosen him for such time as this. For this reason, he has my prayer and support, but I don’t know if this is what the Lord has for me.
And what do you think is next for the FCE?
It is hard to say. The FCE is a tiny denomination, the smallest in the Free Churches group. On the other hand, Bishop Primus has worked hard to bring the FCE closer to the REC (Reformed Episcopal Church in North America), both in Europe and worldwide. I expect to see more development on that front.
There are still good people in the FCE and many of them are working hard to make sure their congregations grow spiritually and numerically. We will see... let’s not forget that we are still waiting to hear from the Charity Commission and the police.
Can the FCE survive?
Maybe. I see three or four churches that have enough vitality to continue their ministry in the coming years. They will need a miracle to change things, as an increasing number of churches are not viable, financially or otherwise. Good ministers and churches have stepped back from the FCE – that does not bode well for such a small denomination.
The FCE Central Trust has some money, but the bishops don’t have the skills, the vision or the experience to change the denomination’s trajectory. Things will become apparent in the next year or so. en has previously asked Bishop Fenwick for a comment on the situation in the FCE but had no reply.
