Evangelical church commissions church leaders for service in orthodox congregations

An evangelical church has held a commissioning service for seven men who will provide leadership in congregations at odds with the Church of England’s plans to introduce same-sex blessings. 

The service was held at St Helen’s Bishopsgate, within the City of London, and was led by Bishop Rod Thomas, with a sermon preached by Rev Canon Vaughan Roberts.

It was attended by senior figures within the Alliance network, a casual network within the Church of England that upholds a biblical view of marriage and sexuality. Its members include the Church of England Evangelical Council, Church Society, the HTB Network, Living Out, Myriad, New Wine, ReNew and Forward in Faith. 

The church leaders commissioned last week come from across 4 dioceses and could have different responsibilities, amongst them teaching the Scriptures and presiding over communion. 

“This act of commissioning has been made crucial as a consequence of the tragic failure of the vast majority of bishops within the House of Bishops of the Church of England,” said Rev William Taylor, Rector of St Helen’s. 

“Our archbishops and most bishops have failed doctrinally. They have did not uphold faithful, biblical doctrine, to protect the Gospel of repentance and faith within the Lord Jesus, and to point out loyalty and love for Jesus and His people by teaching the Scriptures faithfully.

“Furthermore, the archbishops and most bishops have failed procedurally to follow the Church of England’s own canons in calling for an illegal departure from the doctrine of the Church of England. 

“Additionally, they’ve failed morally through their lack of openness and transparency with regard to legal advice and papers provided to them as a House and College of Bishops, and with regard to votes they’ve taken. 

“These tragic failures have been compounded by the failure practically to propose a long-term peaceable solution of proper and reasonable structural provision for those represented by almost 50 per cent of General Synod who either voted against or didn’t vote for the present LLF proposals to proceed.”

Earlier in July, the Church of England Evangelical Council held a commissioning service at All Soul’s Langham Place, in London, for 20 overseers who will provide informal oversight to clergy and PCCs “who feel a lack of confidence within the spiritual leadership of their bishop(s)”. 

The Diocese of London has issued an announcement saying it’s “conscious of questions” raised in regards to the commissioning services.

“We are conscious of questions raised regarding the recent commissioning services which have taken place at All Souls Langham Place and St Helen’s Bishopsgate,” it said.

“Incumbents have been reminded before and following these services of their responsibilities to make sure that the law of the Church of England as expressed in canon and liturgy is observed, and that every one safeguarding requirements are fully met.”