A recent initiative is helping evangelicals in some of the traditional denominations evaluate their long-term future within them. Susie Leafe writes:
On The Edge exists for those, who with great reluctance, are at different stages of pondering whether for reasons of conscience, practicality or ministry effectiveness they can remain in the Scottish Episcopal Church, Church of England or Church in Wales.
To even have to contemplate leaving the Canterbury-aligned Anglican structures necessarily gives rise to feelings of confusion, loss, trauma, rejection, fear, even hopelessness.
Five principles underpin every On the Edge gathering:
1. Complete confidentiality extending to identities, ministry contexts, contributions, even the dates and venue where On The Edge is held, for as long as participants want it.
2. That, if possible, whole families and/ or leaderships teams should come together – this reflects that such serious matters engage not just clergy but those who work with them and a cohort of children.
3. Care – inevitably attendees are rarely in their happiest phase of ministry, and they need the support of those with the relevant experience and necessary capacity.
4. On The Edge is not a conference, but a gathering of equals who will benefit from a structured way of reflecting on shared concerns.
5. Godliness is not a matter of how ‘correct’ an individual’s decision about their future is, but rather how well those who come to differing conclusions treat each other: On the Edge is not a conveyor belt, but a chance to retreat and reflect.
In recent months the latest On the Edge took place. Seven experienced leaders provided pastoral (and child) care, input and advice. Contributions were received ‘live’ and recorded from those aligned with the Anglican Mission in England, Anglican Convocation in Europe, Anglican Network in Europe, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, Gafcon GBE and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales and the Church of England.
Over 24 hours, in the context of the relevant historical, spiritual, pastoral, ecclesial and practical considerations, participants were able to think through what their future ministry might look like, the timescales involved and how they might prepare. For some this was contingency planning for what they believe is a relatively remote prospect, others were leaning over the edge of the precipice of a very different ecclesial future. And there was everything in between.
Some of the feedback comments give a flavour of a precious time together:
‘A very helpful 24 hours to think through pathways of faithfulness to Jesus in the future of the Anglican offer of church to 21st-century UK culture…’
‘It was a very welcoming and safe space to process the difficult situation we find ourselves in, and we find ourselves understanding better where we are at and what our options are. We also feel we made new friends.’
‘A truly brilliant 24 hours to consider the long-term future of my calling, my family and my church.’
‘A wonderful safe environment to explore with others an uncertain future.’.
Anglican Futures is in the process of planning the next On the Edge gathering which will take place in the first six months of 2022.
Ability to pay is of no relevance to attendance: it is understood that many who need to attend will be facing some financial peril. If you feel that you or others from your church might benefit from participating, do contact Anglican Futures in the strictest confidence for a preliminary conversation.
Further details can be found here https:// www.anglicanfutures.org/ontheedge
