In the ever-deepening crisis over blessings for same-sex couples – Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) – it is understandable why some vibrant and healthy churches have already left the Church of England and joined other Anglican structures.
Yet there are many who are determined to stay in the denomination and stay faithful to its true doctrine. But how do we express that faithfulness? Across the variety of responses there is a consistent thread of deep affection and concern for this historic communion.
Aiming for Church of England reform
The Church of England holds a huge piece of ecclesiastical capital, and though we are dealing with a de facto doctrinal departure, I think we need to aim for more than ghettoisation of evangelicalism within it. We might want to be as separate as possible to protect our integrity against the pollution of apostasy, but should we not also bear witness to Biblical faith for the benefit of the whole denomination and, more importantly, for the salvation of England. For those who remain in the Church of England, then, the aim must be for nothing less than reform. What is needed is in response to PLF is enough distance to retain our doctrinal fidelity, and enough connection to win over those who have strayed from it.
Living in Love and Faith or Living Life Backwards?
It’s easy to get frustrated in Christian life and church ministry when our passion for the gospel and the local …