The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) is encouraging Anglicans distressed by the Church of England’s blessings for same-sex couples to contemplate alternative oversight.
It has released a recent video that highlights its alternative spiritual oversight (ASO) scheme for orthodox Anglicans, and the ways during which they’re being supported.
ASO has been operating since November 2023 and stems from the division inside the Church of England on the difficulty of sexual ethics.
The conflict has arisen over the introduction of Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples and to permit members of the clergy to enter same-sex marriages.
In the film by the CEEC, members of the Church speak of the unlucky division this has caused, primarily between the leadership of the Church and people lower down within the hierarchy.
A typical theme is bishops supporting the more liberal line on sexual matters that many priests and parishioners consider to be unbiblical.
Those uncomfortable with the changes often speak of their respect for the legal authority of the bishop, but feel they’ll now not accept spiritual oversight from someone they feel has strayed from biblical truth.
ASO provides those that feel that way with a technique that will allow them to receive spiritual oversight that will not involve them leaving the Church of England altogether.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, wants more struggling Anglicans to contemplate ASO.
“People from across the country told us that it was becoming not possible for them to receive spiritual oversight from their bishop(s), because they were moving away from a biblical understanding of marriage and sexual ethics. This has left many, each clergy and laity, feeling increasingly isolated,” he said.
“We facilitated ASO with the intention to help clergy and parishes receive spiritual oversight without having to look outside of the Church of England. It has been in place for just over a 12 months and we’re hearing just how much of a difference it’s making to those contending on the bottom.
“We would love for more people to give you the chance to attract on this provision and make use of it.”
