An evangelical church has held a ceremony for seven males to offer management in congregations in defiance of the Church of England's plans to introduce same-sex blessings.
The service was held at St Helen's Bishopsgate within the Metropolis of London and was led by Bishop Rod Thomas with a sermon preached by the Reverend Canon Vaughan Roberts.
It was attended by senior representatives of the Alliance, a casual community inside the Church of England that takes a biblical view of marriage and sexuality. Its members embody the Evangelical Council of the Church of England, Church Society, HTB Community, Residing Out, Myriad, New Wine, ReNew and Ahead in Religion.
The church leaders commissioned final week come from 4 dioceses and can have varied obligations, together with educating the Scriptures and presiding over fellowship.
“This act of commissioning has turn into mandatory due to the tragic failure of the vast majority of bishops within the Home of Bishops of the Church of England,” mentioned the Reverend William Taylor, Rector of St Helen's.
“Our archbishops and most bishops have failed doctrinally. They’ve did not uphold devoted, biblical doctrine, to protect the gospel of repentance and religion within the Lord Jesus, and to point out faithfulness and like to Jesus and His individuals by faithfully educating the Scriptures.”
“Moreover, the archbishops and the vast majority of bishops have procedurally did not uphold the Church of England's personal canons in calling for an unlawful departure from Church of England doctrine.
“Moreover, they failed morally because of the lack of openness and transparency concerning the authorized recommendation and paperwork offered to them because the Home and School of Bishops and concerning the votes they took.
“These tragic failures have been compounded by the truth that it was just about unimaginable to suggest a long-term peaceable resolution of correct and affordable structural safety for these represented by the practically 50 % of Basic Synod who both voted in opposition to or didn’t vote to proceed the present LLF proposals.”
In early July, the Church of England's Evangelical Council held a service at All Soul's Langham Place in London for 20 overseers to offer casual supervision to clergy and PCCs “who really feel a lack of confidence within the religious management of their bishop” (s)”.
The Diocese of London issued a press release saying it was “conscious of the questions” raised about commissioning companies.
“We’re conscious of the questions raised concerning the latest commissioning companies which came about at All Souls Langham Place and St Helen's Bishopsgate,” it mentioned.
“Earlier than and after these companies, the incumbents have been reminded of their obligations to make sure that Church of England legislation as expressed in canon and liturgy is noticed and that each one safeguarding necessities are absolutely met.”
