Saturday, 18 February 2023

CofExit

Rev Dr Ian Paul, pictured at Manchester Cathedral.     Source: Christian Today


Anglican theologian and blogger, the Rev Dr Ian Paul recently spoke to Christian Today about the significance of the Church of England General Synod's decision to back same-sex blessings, his plea to the bishops, and why he has no plans to leave the Church of England. 

This is a continuing dilemma for many Anglicans in the Church of England, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church, particularly so for Anglicans conscious of Jesus' prayer that 'all of them may be one'.

Innovation after innovation are driving Anglicans ever further from the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches and most Anglicans.

From the ordination of women to their admission to the episcopacy. From same sex blessings to the goal of same sex weddings in church. Each in turn has been claimed to be the last straw. Some Anglicans have been able to make accommodations to allow them to continue while for others it has been the end of communal worship.

Previously the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches warned of the consequences for the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of which Anglicans claim membership if Anglicans unilaterally decided to ordain women to the priesthood and admit them to the episcopacy. See Metropolitan Hilarion on Renouncing the Faith.

Similar pleas were made at Synod over same sex blessings by ecumenical representative Archbishop Angaelos of the UK Coptic Orthodox Church and Archbishop Sami of the Anglican Province of Alexandria. Both pleaded "not to go down this route because it would only damage relationships in the Communion, and ecumenical relationships with other Churches." Their pleas were ignored by the archbishops of Canterbury and York.

The irony is, of course, Dr Paul is right. The bishops are wrong. It is they who should exit from the Church.

Postscript [21.02.2023]

Global Anglican church leaders oust Archbishop over same sex blessing reform

at

15 comments:

  1. Anonymous19 February 2023 at 10:01

    AB, I know this is off subject, but I just read some good news which I am sure your readership would want to know. It is at
    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253665/two-uk-catholics-acquitted-after-being-charged-for-praying-in-front-of-abortion-clinic
    Seymour

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frederick Jones19 February 2023 at 16:11

    Personally I find the Ordinariate very Anglican although firmly part of the Catholic Church. I find its Mass less Roman than in many Anglican churches as it incorporates so much of Cranmer's incomparable language while rejecting his doctrine. According to the vision of Pope Benedict it exists to make feel at home Anglicans deserted by the C of E. Joining it does not add to the divisions of Christendom.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarcA19 February 2023 at 17:33

    Ian Paul is a former RC so having left it wouldn't be his port of call now

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous20 February 2023 at 09:32

    There's an arrogance about Ian Paul. He's always right.

    Dafydd

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faith Militant20 February 2023 at 12:08

      Presumably you hold Christ in the same high regard?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20 February 2023 at 18:31

      The thing with Christ is that he was right about those who were wrong. Ian Paul believes he’s right. Full stop. You’ll love him here.

      Dafydd

      Delete
    3. Faith Militant20 February 2023 at 22:07

      Sounds as though you think you know him well.
      But you also sound like TP, untRuthy and DD.
      Nice try.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous21 February 2023 at 19:22

      I do know him. He's arrogant.

      Dafydd.

      Delete
    5. Laughing Gas22 February 2023 at 16:00

      I hear he speaks very highly of you too.

      Delete
    6. Faith Militant22 February 2023 at 16:12

      And Justin Welby isn't?
      Don't make me laugh.

      Delete
  5. Lux Et Veritas20 February 2023 at 22:19

    Ian Paul can stay in the Church of England if he likes, but ten of the forty two Provinces have given notice already.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-64711815
    It won't be too long before more follow.
    All down to Welby's incompetence, hypocrisy and spinlessness.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous21 February 2023 at 14:08

    There will be the mother of all splits soon. The heretical, liberal remnant can wither and die on the vine with their woke 'gospel' while provinces that remain true to the Apostles' teaching will and are flourishing. Wales, Scotland, Canterbury and York have made their bed - can we have a 5th province for Great Britain where the faithful can find a safe haven? Keep 'Wokianity' out of Christ's church for goodness sake!

    WHAMAB

    ReplyDelete
  7. Exodus22 February 2023 at 20:16

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64733182
    Another new low watermark over the issue of marriage.
    Welby and the Church of England as well as the Cult in Wales should be utterly ashamed of themselves.
    Completely not fit for purpose.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dai the druid22 February 2023 at 20:26

      The same can be said of funerals.
      https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-64376094
      Save your money and avoid paying fees to the Church or Vicar.
      Win win.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous25 February 2023 at 08:43

    https://anglican.ink/2023/02/24/tribunal-to-scrutinise-bishop-over-blacklisting-chaplain-as-terrorist/
    Bernard Randall takes on Bishopesse Libby Lane in an Employment Tribunal over allegations he was a safe-guarding risk to school children.
    Good for you Bernard, stick it to the cowardly wretch.
    Bewildered

    ReplyDelete