CEEC commissions first set of overseers

Jul 13, 2024 by

Press Release from CEEC.

The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has commissioned its first set of overseers, in a service today at All Souls Langham Place, in London.

The introduction of the Ephesian Fund and Alternative Spiritual Oversight (ASO), followed the General Synod decision in November 2023 to approve the bishops’ proposals to change the position and practice of the Church of England with regards to sexual ethics and marriage, by blessing same sex couples as part of normal services. At a subsequent Synod meeting earlier this week, standalone services of blessing for same sex couples received General Synod support and a timetable to work towards clergy same sex marriages was endorsed. As a result of these decisions, many clergy and PCCs have lost confidence in those bishops supporting change.

At the service, the first 20 overseers were commissioned (with more to be commissioned in due course). The overseers comprise a group of Honorary Assistant Bishops, alongside other clergy from across the evangelical constituency (spanning charismatics and conservatives, egalitarians and complementarians). They will provide informal oversight to clergy and PCCs who feel a loss of confidence in the spiritual leadership of their bishop(s). This informal and temporary oversight, facilitated by CEEC, does not in any way undermine or replace the legal and safeguarding responsibilities of clergy and PCCs to their bishops and/or diocese.

The Ephesian Fund and ASO are designed to help those who hold to the existing teaching and doctrine of marriage and sexual ethics to remain in the Church of England while a permanent structural reorganisation is pursued within the Church of England.

Revd Canon John Dunnett, National Director, Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), said:

“The proposals outlined as the next stage in the Living in Love and Faith process represent a watershed for many in the Church of England. The blessing of same sex partnerships and further possible provision for same sex marriage, including allowing clergy to enter a same sex marriage, mean that there are clergy and congregations who now regard themselves as in impaired fellowship with those bishops who have supported these innovations.

“Many clergy and congregations have lost confidence in the spiritual ministry of their bishop, believing them to be in error on this issue. As a result, over the past year, clergy and PCCs the length and breadth of this country have been asking us for spiritual support. Our facilitation of ASO is designed to enable clergy and congregations to stay in the Church of England at this time. We are grateful to this group of overseers for their service to clergy and parishes.”

At the service, the overseers were asked to reaffirm the declarations they took at their ordinations and were asked three questions specific to the role of overseer.

Read here.

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