St Helens Bishopsgate breaks from Bishops Oversight
Written by Sunny Unachi on 28th February 2023
St Helen’s, Bishopsgate, in the City of London has announced that the church is in “a state of broken partnership” with the House of Bishops over the Bishops’ handling and stand on sexuality.
Following the General Synod’s vote to bless couples in same-sex marriage or civil partnership, Rev William Taylor explained in a video announcement the decision was a response to the bishops’ decision to “exalt their desire for institutional political consensus above the authority of Jesus’s word.”
“Despite the significant minority vote in the House of Clergy and Laity – 40 to 45 percent against – the bishops appear determined to persist with their proposals, exalting their own views above a very substantial minority of those who cannot accept them. Efforts to lead can only be considered effective when vast masses refuse to follow,” stated Rev William.
Prior to Synod earlier this month, the Church of England also referred to the proposals as “unbiblical, contrary to Church of England doctrine, and totally inappropriate
As Rev William continued, “Without bishops, which are neither limited geographically to any particular area, nor are they restricted in authority, diocesan in nature and jurisdiction, there is no sign that the House of Bishops of the Church of England is walking together. Evangelical churches or clergy of the Church of England will never have long-term security as long as they are empowered to ordain, license, and install Church of England ministers into Church of England livings, as well as consecrate additional bishops.
My objective now, and as long as I remain at St Helens, is to secure the future of Anglican evangelical ministry in London, in collaboration with the PCC and other clergy and senior leaders. Our goal is to accomplish this within the Church of England. Anglican bishops and archbishops from around the globe are willing to assist. We are not alone in this pursuit.
