As we look back on 2018 and forward to 2019 – and beyond – where are Anglican evangelicals in relation to the wider CofE ?
Here are some things I think we can be thankful for and encouraged by from 2018.
• The growth of the annual ReNew conference, and its regional groups, made possible by Church Society and AMiE (the Anglican Mission in England) and its ‘resource partners’, Latimer Trust and Stewardship.
• The merger of Reform, Church Society and the Fellowship of Word and Spirit, providing a more united, coherent and organised structure for many Anglican evangelicals.
• The two open letters sent by Anglican evangelical bishops in October in relation to the CofE’s debates on sexuality and also about GAFCON, the latter declaring that it is ‘really important’ for them ‘to stay in good relationship’ with their ‘orthodox Anglican brothers and sisters’ in GAFCON, and say they hope their initiative in reaching out ‘can mark the beginning of better communication and liaison between us’. Bishops such as Pete Broadbent, Rod Thomas and Keith Sinclair, among others, have shown real leadership and grit.
• The CofE Evangelical Council (CEEC) paper entitled Gospel, Church & Marriage – Preserving Apostolic Faith and Life and its October statement On why conservatives remain conservative on sexuality (both on their website).
• The ongoing work of evangelicals in the continuing ‘Living in Love and Faith’ (LLF) CofE discussions about sexuality – people such as Andrew Goddard and Jeanette Howard, among others.
• The ongoing perseverance of Ian Paul on the Archbishops’ Council, and his influential work as an online theologian via the Psephizo blog.
• The way evangelicals spoke out (often at some personal cost) about the so-called ‘Rainbow Eucharist’ in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
• Greater online communication between members of different groups such as Church Society, New Wine and Fulcrum. But, of course, there have been huge challenges as well – and indeed many of the things listed above have been in response to the relentless push towards liberalism within the CofE. What will happen in the future? The ‘Living in Love and Faith’ discussions are due to be completed shortly before the 2020 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops and archbishops.
In 2019, therefore, it is to be hoped Anglican evangelical leaders can start detailed planning for a variety of contingencies which reflect the ways ‘Living in Love and Faith’ could work out. It’s possible, for example, that the CofE’s doctrine and liturgy may remain unchanged in word, but that such flexibility is given in regard to local ‘pastoral practice’ that there is a de facto shift. What would our evangelical leaders (bishops, the CEEC, leaders of ReNew, etc.) be advising us to do in that situation – or indeed other scenarios? And what does that mean in our parishes?
Perhaps we need a ‘20/20 vision’ for the year 2020 – a clear-sighted articulated sense of how our leaders, together, intend to guide us through the possibly turbulent times ahead. Ultimately, as Archbishop Foley Beach of GAFCON said in his visit to the UK this year, whether people stay in the CofE or leave will be a matter of individual conscience. But 2019 provides a window of opportunity for our leaders to start planning in detail.
