Displaying items by tag: Church of England

Survivors of abuse associated with John Smyth, a prolific child abuser linked to the Church of England, are urging further resignations following Justin Welby’s decision on 13 November to step down. A review revealed Welby 'could and should have’ reported Smyth’s abuse in 2013. Many survivors maintain that his resignation alone is insufficient, and insist that all individuals involved in the cover-up be held accountable. An independent report detailed the Church’s historical inaction, describing it as a 'missed opportunity' to bring Smyth to justice before his death in 2018. Bishop Rachel Treweek emphasised the need for further accountability, while Bishop Martin Gorick expressed discomfort with the situation. See also

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has called on Archbishop Justin Welby to publicly repent for endorsing same-sex blessings, claiming his stance contradicts the traditional 'doctrine of Christ’. In a recent podcast, Welby advocated for allowing same-sex couples in civil partnerships or marriages to receive blessings in church, stating that sexual activity should be confined to committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. GAFCON contends that this viewpoint alters the doctrine of sin and supports what they see as a sanctification of sin. Evangelical groups across the UK, including the Evangelical Council and Christian Concern, have also voiced disapproval, suggesting that Welby’s remarks represent a significant departure from Anglican orthodoxy. Some groups are forming alternative structures, like the Anglican Network in Europe, to support members who feel unable to remain in the CofE under these evolving doctrines.

A controversial plan to convert St John the Evangelist Church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, into a mosque has ignited tensions in the community. The Grade 2 listed church, built in 1788, has been unused since the 1980s after its tower was declared unsafe. Purchased by Darul Falah Mosque for £140,000 in 2022, the building's transformation into a mosque has been blocked by the CofE due to a covenant prohibiting its use for non-Christian worship. The church has since become a target for vandalism, with boarded-up stained glass windows and security guards posted outside. The proposal has divided local residents; some welcome the building's revival, but others mourn the loss of its Christian heritage. This dispute comes amidst a broader national context of declining church attendance, rising numbers of Muslims, and growing tensions surrounding immigration. The church also became a focal point during the anti-immigration August 2024 riots.

Evangelicals have downplayed the commissioning of 20 “overseers” to provide pastoral support to those opposing same-sex blessings in the Church of England. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) organized this alternative spiritual oversight. Among the commissioned overseers is former Bishop of Willesden, Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, who emphasized their role as senior friends offering advice and prayers, not as substitutes for bishops. The initiative aims to help Evangelicals considering leaving the Church of England to stay. The Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and Rt Revd Henry Scriven both described the move as a supportive structure rather than a significant departure from Church norms. The commissioning liturgy clarified that it was not an ordination or consecration. Overseers were selected through interviews and references, underwent safeguarding checks, and were asked to commit to teaching faithfully and respecting Church discipline. Only two of the 20 overseers are women, reflecting the CEEC's commitment to diverse evangelical traditions. This move follows the General Synod’s vote to allow blessings for same-sex couples, which the CEEC regards as a watershed moment, necessitating a structurally secure space for Evangelical clergy and congregations.

GAFCON has expressed solidarity with the Anglican Alliance, condemning the Church of England's decision to bless same-sex unions, which they argue contradicts biblical teachings. The Archbishop of Rwanda, Laurent Mbanda, criticised the General Synod's approval of such blessings, stating it goes against scripture. GAFCON supports the creation of a third province for Anglicans adhering to traditional doctrines. While recognising the legal complexities within the CofE, it endorses the formation of a new province to provide pastoral care for those in impaired communion. GAFCON pledges ongoing support for faithful Anglicans worldwide. The archbishop said: ‘GAFCON supports all faithful Anglicans, whether they choose to stay and provide a witness to the truth in their home church, or whether they wish to leave for the sake of conscience. Wherever faithful Anglicans find themselves, we are ready to support, encourage and defend them. They are not alone.’

The Church of England’s General Synod has endorsed a plan to allow standalone services for blessing same-sex couples, advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion while accommodating conservative theological views. This decision, part of the Living in Love and Faith initiative, follows years of debate. Although same-sex marriages remain prohibited in Anglican churches, blessings called Prayers of Love and Faith were authorised in February 2023, with the first blessings integrated into regular services starting in December. The new plan permits standalone services for these blessings. Details are still being worked out, and clergy will not be compelled to participate. Additionally, the church will develop 'delegated episcopal ministry' for bishops with differing theological views. The Archbishop of York described the decision as a compromise, emphasising that it provides a way forward for the church. Calls to lift the prohibition on same-sex civil marriages for clergy were acknowledged but not yet addressed. Reactions were mixed: LGBTQ+ inclusion group Together for the Church of England praised the decision, while conservative Anglicans, represented by John Dunnett, criticised it as insufficient. See

A group of church leaders is taking a stand and threatening to split the Church of England over a vote on blessings for same-sex couples. Bishops have proposed trial standalone church services for gay and lesbian couples, pending a formal vote on making the change permanent. Over 25 church leaders have written to the Archbishops of York and Canterbury, warning that such a change could be 'unlawful' and claiming that the proposal departs from the Church’s doctrine. While priests can offer blessings within services, standalone services for same-sex blessings are not yet permitted, as some argue it equates to same-sex marriages. The General Synod will debate the issue next week. The Alliance, a conservative group supported by 2,000 clergy members, prepared the letter. It warns that further departure from the Church’s doctrine will force them to establish a new 'parallel province'.

The future of the established Church of England was the focus of a recent conference in Oxford. Scholars, clergy, and laypeople gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in modern society. Topics included declining attendance, the Church’s role in public life, and the need for renewal and reform. Keynote speaker Professor Sarah Foot emphasised the importance of the Church adapting to contemporary cultural shifts while maintaining its theological foundations. Discussions highlighted the tension between tradition and innovation, with many calling for a renewed focus on community engagement and social justice. The conference underscored the urgency for the Church to find new ways to connect with a diverse and often secular population, while preserving its core mission and values. Participants left with a sense of both the challenges ahead and a commitment to work towards a vibrant future for the CofE.

Average weekly attendance at Church of England services rose nearly 5% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of growth. Children's attendance increased by almost 6%. Although total attendance remains below 2019 levels, the gap has significantly narrowed. Justin Welby praised the efforts of clergy and congregations, highlighting the rise in children's participation as particularly encouraging. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, emphasised the positive impact of focusing on outreach, new Christian communities, and revitalising parishes. The full Statistics for Mission report will be released in the autumn.

Members of the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith (LLF) initiative are set to convene for discussions in a Leicester hotel, as part of ongoing efforts to address divisions within the church regarding human sexuality and related practices. This gathering precedes a crucial July meeting of the General Synod where proposals will be presented. Led by the Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and assisted by a program board, the groups will deliberate over three days. Upcoming meetings by the House of Bishops will determine recommendations for the College of Bishops in June. Discussions will include the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith in stand-alone services, a proposal narrowly approved by the Synod last November. Additionally, new pastoral guidance is anticipated to permit clergy and lay ministers in same-sex civil marriages, reflecting a shift in bishops’ opinions. Another group will explore provisions for those opposing these changes. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has called for ‘prayers for a harmonious resolution that respects orthodox beliefs’. See