Withering on the Vine?

Jul 9, 2018 by

by Lee Gatiss, Church Society:

Lee Gatiss looks again at the claim that conservative evangelicals are not to be corralled into corners within the Church of England.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has assured us that the Church of England is “deeply committed” to the flourishing of conservative evangelicals, many of whose churches are growing and planting. In the House of Lords he said, “I say again that the Church of England is deeply committed to the flourishing of all those who are part of its life in the grace of God. It is not our intention that any particular group should wither on the vine.” He spoke of showing “generosity” to “traditionalists.” This claim was repeated recently in the foreword to the Faith & Order Commission’s publication The Five Guiding Principles: A Resource for Study (2018). That report also speaks of “not corralling some within the boundaries of their own parishes or networks, but providing space generously for all to flourish in its common life and in structures shared by all.”

But is it credible to claim that this is what the Church of England is really doing? Intentions do not always lead to actions. What is the actual situation on the ground?

According to the latest figures (see here), since the legislation on women in the episcopate came into force in November 2014, no fewer than 14 women have been appointed as Bishops, 3 as Deans and 20 as Archdeacons. But not a single person who is unable for theological reasons to recognise the priestly or episcopal ministry of women has been appointed as an Archdeacon or Dean. And only 2 suffragan bishops who do not ordain women have been appointed (one of which is evangelical).

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