Church of England evangelicals are pressing anew for ‘structural rearrangement’ in their aim for visible differentiation from error in the denomination.
The fresh push comes ahead of another General Synod discussion scheduled for July following February’s controversial votes over same-sex blessings.
However, in its monthly newsletter, Anglican organisation Church Society said it had now been announced ‘that the planned work on the Prayers of Love and Faith is not expected to be completed by the July meeting of General Synod. One session is allocated in the agenda for July when we anticipate a presentation of where the work has reached, but Synod has been informed that the reserve slot in November will be used for a third meeting this year. There are three working groups: one is revising the prayers; one is producing the pastoral guidance; and the third is working on ‘pastoral reassurance’. This patronising term refers to the provision which will be made for those who cannot in conscience perform blessings of same-sex couples, nor remain in fellowship with them.’
John Dunnett, national director of the Church of England Evangelical Council, said: ‘My understanding is that differentiation is being discussed as part of the work of one of the three groups set up by the House of Bishops. What is essential is that this discussion embraces the reality that any “soft” form of differentiation will not be able to provide for the long-term flourishing of those who wish to honour the CofE’s historic and Biblical position on sex and marriage in the face of the proposed changes. I hope the group will commend to the House of Bishops a robust form of differentiation that is based on “structural rearrangement”.
‘CEEC continues to believe that, in the event of General Synod endorsing the House of Bishops proposals without robust differentiation, it will be like a cat among the pigeons in parish life the length and breadth of the country. CEEC has not indicated its support for any specific model of differentiation, but is absolutely convinced that the provisions needed indicate that structural rearrangement will be essential, either to make space for revisionist aspirations or for those wishing to retain the church’s historic position.’
Writing on the Psephizo theology blog, Dr Andrew Goddard, Tutor in Christian Ethics, Westminster Theological Centre, and Tutor in Ethics at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, said: ‘Rather than rushing forward with current plans and risking separation with little or no ongoing shared discernment within the Church of England, why not seek a pathway truly respectful of our different conscientious convictions?’
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