Friday 17 November 2023, London, UK: The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has launched two new initiatives today following General Synod’s support for the bishops to move ahead with the implementation of Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF).
The first provision is for spiritual oversight for those who no longer feel able, in good conscience, to seek spiritual leadership from their diocesan bishop(s). CEEC has convened a group of Honorary Assistant bishops who have agreed to provide this spiritual support to clergy and congregations around the country.
The second provision being launched today is the Ephesian Fund - a new national stewardship fund. This new charitable Fund will enable people in churches across the dioceses to continue to support orthodox Anglican ministry when in good conscience they might otherwise withdraw or reduce their giving to a Church of England church as a result of their bishop’s support for Prayers of Love and Faith at General Synod.
These provisions have been launched as a result of the motion passed at General Synod this week. In practice, it is expected that the bishops will commend prayers of blessing for same sex couples by mid-December (and provide dedicated services soon after), prepare guidance which will make it possible for clergy to marry their same sex partners, and that future ordinands will not to be asked to indicate whether their lifestyle and personal relationships are in keeping with the doctrine of the Church of England.
Currently CEEC believes the bishops’ proposals are being pursued without adequate provision and protection for those holding to the Biblical, historic and global majority Anglican view on marriage and sex.
John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, said: 'On Wednesday, a line was crossed that we prayed and hoped would not happen. We have witnessed our leaders turning away from Scripture as our supreme authority. It grieves us that the commendation of these Prayers will cause deep division in PCCs and parishes, deaneries and dioceses the length and breadth of the country.
'We’re deeply concerned for the conscience of evangelicals across England who now feel their membership of the Church of England in some way to be compromised. Looking forward, CEEC is not yet confident that the promised future discussions will produce a permanent settlement that will secure orthodox life and witness going forward.
'So we are compelled to stand with those who now find their consciences deeply troubled - and to make temporary provisions that enables them – at least for now – to remain a part of the Church of England whilst more formal and official provision is pursued.'
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