For evangelical Anglicans who grow weary of the vital battles over women’s ministry and sexuality in synods and elsewhere, the 2014 ReNew conference (22–23 September) was a great encouragement and inspiration.
It is not that the necessary task of contending for biblical truth was ignored, but that this was seen within a bigger context. That bigger context is the work of pioneering, establishing and securing healthy local Anglican churches.
Next generation
ReNew conference met under the lively chairmanship of William Taylor and was sponsored by AMiE, Church Society and Reform. The latter organisations may be familiar to many readers but the role of AMiE could need some explanation. AMiE stands for Anglican Mission in England and is particularly significant for its commitment to provide alternative Anglican episcopal oversight where necessary through the support of the orthodox in the wider Anglican Communion (the Gafcon archbishops). This is very important for the next generation of potential Anglican clergy to find hope and integrity regarding their future ministry.
The conference had a very full programme, including nourishing Bible readings and excellent talks by Mike Ovey on the person and work of Christ. The time spent in prayer was striking and the brief accounts of life in different churches were inspiring. There were workshops on various aspects of the work of pioneering, establishing and securing the healthy local churches we seek to build by the mercy of God. There were also regional group meetings which sought to bring momentum to making things happen through churches working together in different areas of the country. Some dioceses were very well represented in these group meetings, but there are sobering gaps in certain parts of the country.
At the end there was an opportunity for people to sign up to a statement of commitment to the strategy and programme at the local, regional, and national levels, alongside a request for further concrete proposals within this, to be prepared for the September 2015 conference. There are hopes that the 330-plus delegates at the 2014 conference will be significantly exceeded. Overall there was a refreshing sense of purpose concerning the work of the gospel at this conference, even though there had to be a realism about the struggle and hard work this will involve.
