Leading evangelicals have announced they are quitting the Free Church of England after the denomination appeared to descend into chaos.
Peter Sanlon and Josep Rossello have both said they are leaving the group, hard on the heels of a dispute which also saw fellow minister Jonatas Bragatto depart.
Controversies within the FCE – a ‘Reformed and Protestant’ body set up by disillusioned Anglicans in the mid-19th century – have centred around some of the actions of its de facto leader, Bishop John Fenwick.
In a statement, Josep Rossello (who was featured last September), said: ‘It in en is with great sadness that I have taken the prayerful decision to resign my position as minister and bishop within the Free Church of England. I want to thank all my friends, and especially those at Christ Church Exmouth, for their love and support through one of the most painful seasons for my family. My resignation has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. However, I do not believe that it is productive or safe to remain a part of something that has evidently become so unhealthy. I have made numerous attempts to bring a range of serious concerns to the leadership’s attention over several years without successful resolution. I am therefore left with no other choice. As a bishop, I am sorry for any way I personally have been unable to protect and care for you. Please forgive and pray for me as I pray for you.’
He added that an extraordinary meeting of the church congregation at Christ Church Exmouth had unanimously voted in support of withdrawing from the Free Church of England.
Rossello said: ‘I will continue in my ministry at Christ Church Exmouth, while working together with the Church Council and congregation to identify an appropriate way forward for us as a thriving, multi-generational congregation.’
And a statement from Emmanuel Anglican Church, Tunbridge Wells, where Peter Sanlon is rector, said: ‘Whistleblowers who have raised alerts have been subjected to abuses of process and unjust treatment.
‘In light of this our Church Council met … The proposal that our rector resign his licence in the FCE and our church leave the denomination was unanimously agreed. We will be seeking suitable ecclesial oversight and support for our church family and mission.’
en has previously asked Bishop Fenwick for a response but had no reply.
