Alternative Oversight Offered to Anglicans Amid Church of England’s Same-Sex Blessings Dispute
In response to the Church of England’s recent decision to bless same-sex couples, the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) is urging Anglicans who are troubled by this development to explore alternative spiritual oversight options.
The CEEC has unveiled a video that promotes its alternative spiritual oversight (ASO) initiative, designed for orthodox Anglicans seeking support amidst the ongoing theological divide within the Church.
Launched in November 2023, ASO emerged as a solution to the ongoing debate over sexual ethics within the Church of England.
The controversy centers around the adoption of Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples and the Church’s allowance for clergy to engage in same-sex marriages.
The video features members of the Church expressing their concerns over the discord, which has primarily affected the relationship between the Church’s leadership and its grassroots members.
Many bishops have embraced a more progressive stance on sexual matters, which is perceived by numerous priests and parishioners as unbiblical.
While those who oppose the changes maintain respect for their bishop’s legal authority, they feel unable to accept spiritual oversight from leaders they believe to have deviated from biblical teachings.
The ASO initiative offers a pathway for those individuals to receive spiritual guidance without having to sever ties with the Church of England.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, National Director of the CEEC, is advocating for more Anglicans to consider ASO. According to him, “People from across the country told us that it was becoming impossible 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, both clergy and laity, feeling increasingly isolated.”
He added, “We facilitated ASO in order 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 year and we are hearing just how much of a difference it is making to those contending on the ground.”
“We would love for more people to be able to draw on this provision and make use of it,” he concluded.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
