C of E vote is vital moment for evangelicals

Crucial elections which could determine the fate of the Church of England and the future of evangelicals within it are taking place.

Voting for the denomination’s General Synod is now underway and will conclude on 9 October. The result is seen as crucial for imminent decisions on issues to do with human sexuality.

Keith Sinclair, former Bishop of Birkenhead and now National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) said: ‘We believe that there are good numbers of orthodox evangelical candidates across the dioceses for both the houses of clergy and laity.

‘Historically, voter turnout in General Synod elections has often been quite low in many dioceses, especially amongst clergy, so please pray that all evangelical clergy and lay electors will actually vote. We encourage all Anglican evangelicals to pray for the General Synod elections – the process and the candidates – and to pray that those elected will be focused on proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ underpinned by the authority of Holy Scripture.

‘As to what happens to the Church of England and future plans, much will depend humanly speaking on what happens in this Synod on all these issues. Only God knows the plans He has for us.

Ros Clarke of conservative evangelical grouping Church Society said: ‘I’m hoping very much that all the work of CEEC over the past few years will result in more evangelicals engaging with the Synod elections, whether standing for election, voting, or praying. And, of course, that the outcome will be a Synod with a strong evangelical voice, especially on the issues coming up around sexuality and gender.

‘I would say that God is still King and that Christ is still building His church. I’d remind them that throughout the history of the church things have often seemed desperate, and yet God has remained faithful. I’d ask them to pray, pray, and pray again!

‘I’d also encourage them, once the election results are announced, to consider “adopting” one member of General Synod in their diocese and committing to pray regularly for that person over the next five years of the Synod.’