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Responding to Matthew Parris: is euthanasia to be encouraged?

Responding to Matthew Parris: is euthanasia to be encouraged?
Dave Williams
Dave Williams
Date posted: 3 Apr 2024

One of the concerns many of us have raised over the years is that legalised euthanasia (or assisted dying as it is now commonly described) would lead to increased pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives.  

We were laughed at for this and accused of relying on a 'slippery slope argument.' 'Don’t be silly', we were told. 'This is just about giving the right to a good death to those who wish to take it up.'

'We need older Christians in our lives' - reaching young adults with the gospel

'We need older Christians in our lives' - reaching young adults with the gospel
Eilidh Best
Eilidh Best
Date posted: 1 Apr 2024

When I was a student, I intentionally set out to meet with as many people I didn’t know in my congregation as I could. I realised that I didn’t really know many people outside of my own young adult bubble. 

Naturally, the people who were available during the day were retired and those of generations above me. So, we met for coffee, sometimes more than once, and simply chatted about life. 

Bullying and exclusion: Why evangelicals need new C of E structures

Bullying and exclusion: Why evangelicals need new C of E structures
John Dunnett
John Dunnett
Date posted: 1 Apr 2024

It is still being assumed by those pursuing change in the Church of England that we can simply ‘agree to disagree’ over matters of same-sex marriage and blessings. In practice, this means that the permission not to use the Prayers of Love and Faith is a sufficient provision and that either no or minimum structural rearrangement is necessary.

This, however, remains a theological ostrich with its head in the sand. How can the Church of England simultaneously say that same-sex marriage and blessings are both sinful and holy? And as someone who holds to a globally acknowledged Biblical position on human sexuality, my conscience will not allow me to simply accept a Church of England that blesses sin as if it were holiness.

Faithful brothers and sisters abroad need support

Faithful brothers and sisters abroad need support
Andy Lines
Andy Lines
Date posted: 1 Mar 2024

‘Ven. Ifeanyi Akunna asks for prayer as students travel back to the Abuja Diocesan Training College (Nigeria) for the beginning of term. The roads can be very dangerous, with armed robbers and kidnappers. Pray for divine protection.’

This was the featured prayer request on the GAFCON website for 8 January 2024. This section of the site– found at gafcon.org/ prayer – is a particularly helpful resource, especially for many Anglicans living in the UK. It opens our eyes and hearts to needs in different parts of the world, and provides a challenge to us by illustrating problems faced by fellow Christians which most of us in the affluent and comfortable West would find intolerable.

Dating apps in decline: What’s our better alternative?

Dating apps in decline: What’s our better alternative?
Emma Sowden
Emma Sowden
Date posted: 1 Mar 2024

The sun appears to be setting on the dating app era, and culture is on a mission to re-codify love, but what will we find in the aftermath?

Amidst our hyper-digital age, the tide appears to be turning on the reign of online dating. Despite radically changing the art of modern romance after exploding onto the scene in the early 2010s, today apps like Tinder, Hinge and Bumble are all reporting a steady decline in users. What was branded as an efficient way to connect people sold a promise of dating minus the mess. However, ten years on, people have cottoned onto the reality that online dating carries its own set of messes and mishaps. Those leaving the apps are citing the ways in which these platforms prey on insecurity and cause ‘swipe fatigue’ by overwhelming users with choice.

Unity? This spurious unity is sinful and deadly

Unity? This spurious unity is sinful and deadly
George Crowder
George Crowder
Date posted: 1 Jan 2024

In the aftermath of November’s General Synod, there has been a lot of talk about unity, whether the lack of it or the form of it.

When asked about division in the House of Bishops, Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, has been quoted as saying: ‘What we’re trying to model is how do you, despite the fact we may have different views, seek to try to find a place we can occupy together.’ Justin Welby, reflected: ‘Archbishops of Canterbury must always work for the maximum possible unity in the Church, however impossible that may seem and however deep our differences.’

Risk assessments, sin and the trap of Pharisaism

Risk assessments, sin and the trap of Pharisaism
Karen Soole
Karen Soole
Date posted: 1 Nov 2023

I recently completed an admin task that I had never done before.

It was perhaps something that I should have done before, but no one had asked, and I hadn’t considered it necessary. I had managed to avoid it for 30 years. That is approximately the number of years my husband and I have led one Bible study group or another in our home. What was the task? A risk assessment for leading a church group in our home. Why, after all these years, are we now doing one? Because it was recommended as good practice at recent safeguarding training. Some of you reading this may be horrified by our previous lack of diligence, especially as we had four children at home during much of that time. Others of you may now be thinking that perhaps this is something you need to add to your to-do list.

Hearing criticisms from evangelical non-Anglicans

Hearing criticisms from evangelical non-Anglicans
Andy Lines
Andy Lines
Date posted: 1 Nov 2023

As evangelicals in the Church of England are asking searching questions about strategies for continued participation in the denomination, it is more important than ever that those who hold to the authority of Scripture and seek to be obedient to Christ look in informed and honest ways about the pros and cons of being Anglican.

Problems with Anglicanism?

We can begin by hearing and answering criticisms from evangelicals outside Anglicanism: that there is too much attachment to, and dependence on, inherited resources such as buildings, and central investments funding ministry salaries and pensions. Historic close association with the ruling establishment means that it is difficult to challenge contemporary values and trends of the culture. Liberal theology has taken deep root over decades, so that evangelicals are in a minority, and Anglicanism is generally believed to be broad and tolerant, able to incorporate a wide variety of viewpoints, sometimes inherently contradictory.

Will there be a place for me in the Church of England?

Will there be a place for me in the Church of England?
John Dunnett
John Dunnett
Date posted: 1 Oct 2023

In August, the Church of England announced that a series of meetings were to be held in September ahead of the bishops presenting to November’s General Synod ‘proposals to enable same-sex couples to come to church following a civil marriage or civil partnership for prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and for God’s blessing’.

This was a stark signal that the bishops are still intending to ‘move the goalposts’ in the Church of England’s teaching and practice regarding sexual ethics and to introduce significant change. As such, this will be a more substantive change than other liberalising changes in recent times since it will formally enshrine in our liturgy a doctrinal change divergent to our ‘foundation deeds’.

A missed opportunity ?

A missed opportunity ?
Tom Clarke
Tom Clarke
Date posted: 1 Sep 2023

Statistical evidence would suggest that the commitment of the church in the UK to overseas mission has been on a downward path for some time, whether measured in terms of personnel volunteering to go and serve or in terms of financial support.

Anecdotally, I was asked recently if it was still the case that some Christians offer to leave home to serve the Lord in cross-cultural situations. This was a genuine question from a godly pastor who just had no experience of this happening either in his own church or others which he knew of.

The adventure of discipleship in a risk-locked society

The adventure of discipleship in a risk-locked society
Karen Soole
Karen Soole
Date posted: 1 Jul 2023

When was the last time you heard the hymn ‘To be a Pilgrim’ by John Bunyan, or how about ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before!’?

Perhaps you don’t know them at all. These hymns, once classic school assembly songs for generations, haven’t made it into the 21st century. Their language is dated, but the sentiment shouldn’t be. They were a call for us to love Christ and to serve Him unashamedly, written as a call to discipleship and to ‘share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus’. I’m not sure we sing many hymns now which encourage risk-taking with such reckless abandonment.

Anglicanism? Yes, but not as you know it...

Anglicanism? Yes, but not as you know it...
Andy Lines
Andy Lines
Date posted: 1 Jul 2023

When the first GAFCON gathering was held in 2008 in Jerusalem, the delegates agreed that this historic conference, bringing together Bible -believing Anglicans from around the world, should not just be a moment, but a movement, wonderfully diverse, with a vision to bring together the faithful from this historic denomination to proclaim Christ to the nations.

And so the Global Anglican Future Conference, GAFCON, has been held every five years, most recently in Kigali, Rwanda, where I was privileged to attend along with around 140 others from Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe in a total gathering of 1,300. The GAFCON movement has been growing and developing since its inception. What are some of its chief characteristics which distinguish it from several of our familiar UK-based evangelical networks and mission organisations?

The terrible quandary facing C of E evangelicals

The terrible quandary facing C of E evangelicals
George Crowder
George Crowder
Date posted: 1 Aug 2023

An informal update on Living in Love and Faith in the York General Synod only shed light on division and stalemate.

After the vote in February, much was left to be brought back in July. Though the synod voted in favour of the House of Bishops’ proposals, vital questions remained unanswered about the final form of the prayers, the pastoral guidance for their use and the provision for those who in conscience could not accept them. In truth, it was a vote to continue with a process, a process which was instantly hampered by the same profound disagreements that were aired in the debate. Church Society Associate Director, Ros Clarke, a member of General Synod, shared in the session that, ‘despite all the good conversations, the sharing and the hearing, the growing fellowship and friendships, there is a profound disagreement which continues to exist on these issues.’

Can the Church of England be revived?

Can the Church of England be revived?
Andy Mason
Andy Mason
Date posted: 1 Jun 2023

It would be easy to answer that question with a  quick ‘no’. After all, we Anglicans are facing huge problems: a loss of gospel truth, obstruction from bishops and ongoing spiritual compromise throughout the institution.

This present mess has been a long time coming, and it is, in many ways, no surprise. Surely, then, it is all over with the Church of England, and we should just leave such a moribund institution? There is, after all, nothing sacred about an ecclesiastical institution in and of itself, and we know that denominational borders are not the borders of spiritual Israel. Everything would be simpler if we just came out so that we could breathe freely once again!

Verwer’s challenge
editorial

Verwer’s challenge

A while ago, en adopted the logo at the top of this column which represents a person running the race of faith in Christ.

It’s a Biblical picture, of course, and it is one that the late George Verwer (p.2) used too.

The ‘disturbingly disingenuous’ claims of many bishops

The ‘disturbingly disingenuous’ claims of many bishops
George Crowder
George Crowder
Date posted: 1 Apr 2023

February’s General Synod vote to welcome the House of Bishops’ proposals was momentous and has thus provoked strong reactions.

Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry and leader of the Living in Love and Faith process, observed: ‘The proposed provision has united a broad alliance of evangelical networks, and some significant catholic voices, in suspicion, bewilderment, consternation and, among most [of] the evangelical spectrum, rejection.’

From royal events to churches – how do we welcome?

From royal events to churches – how do we welcome?
Karen Soole
Karen Soole
Date posted: 1 Feb 2023

Recent media coverage of the Royal Family has included concerns about racism, including one event at Buckingham Palace.

Lady-in-waiting Lady Hussey’s role had been to put guests at ease at a reception. Unfortunately, whatever her intentions, the opposite happened. There were also allegations from Prince Harry and Meghan about related areas. I’m not going to comment on those events which have received so much coverage and divided opinion. However, it makes me think about the difficulties we have trying to connect with one another.

Tears and shock as ‘faithfuls’ and ‘traitors’ misjudged

Tears and shock as ‘faithfuls’ and ‘traitors’ misjudged
Cassie Martin
Cassie Martin
Date posted: 1 Mar 2023

Who’s your 100%? Who do you trust the most?

Like many others, our family has been hooked on the BBC series The Traitors. The runaway success story of pre-Christmas broadcasting (helped by its positioning alongside the football World Cup), The Traitors has enjoyed an even stronger afterlife thanks to word of mouth and BBC iPlayer.

Do we still care about world mission?
editorial

Do we still care about world mission?

Over the past two years, most of us have understandably been rather distracted by the Covid pandemic and all the disruption this has brought.

At the same time, however, this has not stopped all sorts of issues coming to the fore – and (rightly) being discussed with passion among conservative evangelicals.

Of criminalisation and the civilising mission

Of criminalisation and the civilising mission
David Shepherd
David Shepherd
Date posted: 1 Jan 2022

A few months ago, a group of Ghanaian MPs tabled a draft bill aimed at criminalising the ‘public show of amorous relations between or among persons of the same sex’ and ‘intentional cross-dressing … with intent to engage in an act prohibited under the act.’

That country’s Anglican archbishop, Cyril Kobina Ben Smith, joined several other prominent Ghanaian Christian leaders in endorsing the bill. He wrote: ‘The church does not condemn persons of homosexual tendencies, but absolutely condemns the sinful acts and activities they perform.’

Anti-Semitism then and now
editorial

Anti-Semitism then and now

Do many people in Britain, including Christians, and our own evangelical constituency, lack insight when it comes to Jewish people and to the reality and impact of anti-Semitism?

The answer is yes. Read firstly Jewish believer Gary Clayton’s chilling history of Christian anti-Semitism (here). Read secondly the review of David Baddiel’s recent TV programme (Jews Don’t Count) by his fellow Jew, Joseph Steinberg, CEO of the International Mission to Jewish People (here), who will be joining our rota of occasional contributors in 2023. And thirdly read the thorough, wise and definitive judgement last week of the Disciplinary Tribunal investigating Stephen Sizer (here). (You can read the entire ruling online by searching online for ‘Church of England tribunal decisions’). There can be no doubt.

Trying to make the crooked straight? You will fail

Trying to make the crooked straight? You will fail
Karen Soole
Karen Soole
Date posted: 1 Dec 2022

Two corgis who belonged to the Queen, Sandy and Muick, watched her funeral procession and reduced our dog-loving nation to tears.

Since the Queen’s death, sales of corgis have gone up. The Kennel Club reports a 30-year high for the registration of the breed. I expect a few more breeders will seek to cash in on the craze, as puppies can sell for around £6,000. So if you want a puppy for Christmas, perhaps another breed might be better. Remembering the seasonal refrain, a dog is for life and not just for Christmas. Corgis are still not as popular as the UK’s favourite breed, which is, of course, a Labrador. I admit it – I am a besotted Labrador owner.

Anglican evangelicals are deeply troubled

Anglican evangelicals are deeply troubled
George Crowder
George Crowder
Date posted: 1 Dec 2022

Church of England bishops will meet this month to continue their deliberations about human sexuality and gender identity.

In this meeting, and then in a subsequent meeting of the House of Bishops (diocesan bishops plus elected suffragans), they will draw together proposals to put to General Synod in February 2023. It is most likely that this synod will be used to seek opinion on the bishops’ proposals rather than to ratify a new measure, but then this will frame the agenda for the July synod.

‘Sing us a song… We’re all in the mood for a melody…’

‘Sing us a song… We’re all in the mood for a melody…’
John Stevens
John Stevens
Date posted: 1 Nov 2022

A couple of weeks ago I had a great evening seeing a tribute band at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester. I had been given tickets as a birthday present by a friend. Elio Pace and his band played the ‘Billy Joel Songbook’. It took me back 40 years!

I had previously been suspicious about the idea of a tribute band, fearing it might be something like a poor karaoke performance. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The quality was outstanding, and about as close as possible to attending a genuine Billy Joel concert.

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