The Latest News...

Launch of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans
Following the Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) last year, a new grouping of theologically conservative people and churches is to be launched.

For more details, click here. And read this letter from William Taylor.

 

 

'Gay Wedding' in the City
It was reported that a clergyman in our Diocese has used a bowdlerized form of the BCP wedding service to 'bind' two male clergymen after their civil partnership ceremony.

For more details, see the BBC Website (including a video interview with the minister concerned).
To see for yourself the form of service used in this ceremony, click here to download the pdf.
To compare the form of service with the Book of Common Prayer, click here.
For a Reform Press Release on this, click here.
To read an open letter from the Bishop of London to Revd Martin Dudley, click here.

LATEST: Deanery Synod reps in the City state that fellowship with Dr. Dudley has been "fractured".
Martin Dudley responds with a lecture.
His response is helpfully critiqued by Peter Ould.

FINAL DECISION FROM THE BISHOP OF LONDON
In a letter to clergy in the diocese (October 24th 2008) the Assistant Bishop of London declares that
since Martin Dudley has apologised, the case is now considered closed.

 

General Synod vote on Women Bishops
General Synod has voted to introduce women bishops into the Church of England without adequate provision for the oversight and flourishing of those opposed.

Synod will debate the proposed "Code of Practice" in February 2009. That gives an opportunity to strengthen provision, delay the introduction of this divisive legislation, or re-think the whole thing. Writing to our Synod reps remains a vital way of influencing what happens!

To see how General Synod members from London voted (and their addresses), click here.
(NB Some may have voted for one or other of the strengthening amendments, even if they finally voted for the motion).
For a more comprehensive list of all voters, click here.
To examine how the Bishops voted on each amendment, click here.
For more details, read "Why are there objections to women being made bishops in the C of E?"

 

Church in Turmoil
A Joint LDEF and Reform London event on October 1st
to discuss the many and varied crises hitting the Church of England at home and abroad.

We were delighted to see so many people from across the evangelical spectrum attending the joint Reform/ London Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship panel discussion on the summer of turmoil in the Anglican Communion which took place at All Soul's Clubhouse on 1 October. The panel of Preb. Richard Bewes, Mrs. Sarah Finch, Ven. Michael Lawson, Revd. Charles Marnham and Dr. Stephen Sizer gave insightful comments on the current situation.

The Bible reading on Hebrews 3-4 and its application to us in the Church of England by Lee Gatiss can be read here.

 

To win London for Christ through the Church of England we will

Educate ourselves about the issues at stake in the Church today

Build effective partnerships between churches at the local level

Act together in the Diocese to achieve real reform