EGN NEWS DESK
The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has appointed a gaggle of ‘overseers’ to offer casual different non secular oversight (ASO) to clergy and parishes that can’t for causes of conscience assist the introduction of same-sex blessings.
It follows a vote within the Church of England’s parliamentary to proceed transferring in direction of the introduction of standalone companies of blessing for same-sex {couples}, and permission for homosexual clergy to enter into same-sex marriages.
The CEEC stated that many clergy and church buildings “have misplaced confidence in these bishops supporting change”.
The ‘overseers’ comprise clergy from throughout England and the completely different evangelical traditions. The first 20 embrace honorary assistant bishops and have been commissioned throughout a service at All Souls Langham Place, in London, on Friday.
They will “present non secular care and counsel to those that are actually bereft of the oversight that ought to correctly be provided by their bishop”, the CEEC stated.
Henry Scriven, Honorary Assistant Bishop in Oxford and Winchester, was amongst these commissioned. He stated, “I be part of the entire overseers in wanting ahead to providing this provision to clergy and PCCs throughout the nation who’re in want of it.
“I’m grateful to CEEC for making this potential at such a difficult time for the Church of England.”
Other overseers embrace former Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, former Bishop of Willesden, Pete Broadbent, and former Bishop of Maidstone, Rod Thomas.
The service was led by Rev Canon John Dunnett, CEEC National Director, who stated: “The proposals outlined as the subsequent stage within the Living in Love and Faith course of signify a watershed for a lot of within the Church of England.
“The blessing of same-sex partnerships and additional potential provision for same-sex marriage, together with permitting clergy to enter a same-sex marriage, imply that there are clergy and congregations who now regard themselves as in impaired fellowship with these bishops who’ve supported these improvements.
“Many clergy and congregations have misplaced confidence within the non secular ministry of their bishop, believing them to be in error on this concern. As a consequence, over the previous yr, clergy and PCCs the size and breadth of this nation have been asking us for non secular assist.
“Our facilitation of ASO is designed to allow clergy and congregations to remain within the Church of England presently.
“We are grateful to this group of overseers for his or her service to clergy and parishes.”
