Professor David F Wright 1937–2008
Widely respected evangelical church historian and theologian in the Church of Scotland, Professor David F Wright, departed this earthly life on February 19th. The Scotsman has a tribute –
“Wright specialised in patristic and Reformation theology, and he published extensively on the fathers of the early Church, especially Augustine, and on the magisterial figures of the European Reformation – Calvin, John Knox and Peter Martyr, for example. He also wrote on contemporary ethical issues facing the Church, particularly questions of sexuality, where he took up a thoroughly conservative position.”
– as do Reformation21 and Global South Anglican. (Photo: Global South Anglican.)
Evangelical Religion
by Bishop J.C. Ryle
Since many religious disputes have arisen solely because there has been a lack of accurate definition, I am beginning this paper by explaining exactly what I mean by “Evangelical Religion”.
I want to consider that religion which is peculiar to those within the Church of England who are normally called “the Evangelical Party”. Whether we like it, or not; whether it is right or not, it must be agreed that there are varying schools of thought within the Church of England, with many divisions and shades of opinion even within the various parties. Here I am concerned with the unmistakable and undeniable tenets of the Evangelical school which, I maintain, are worth contending for.
This is a subject of great difficulty and delicate grounds, for it necessitates comparisons and all comparisons are odious. But sometimes comparisons are a duty. Did not Paul command “Approve the things that are excellent”? (Phil. 1;10), and while I have a sense of the difficulties, I have a deeper sense of the importance of this subject. The existence of parties cannot be ignored, and the strife is not just one about trappings and vestments in religion, but about the very foundations of the Gospel. Evangelicals must therefore consider what they have to maintain and defend; so let us distinctly understand our principles.
In defining Evangelical Religion, I can only bring forward the result of careful reading and study of the works of Evangelical fathers. I have only arrived at these conclusions after prayer, thought and pains. I am not claiming to be a mouthpiece for the Evangelical Party, for many who are called Evangelical will not agree with all in this paper. But I am writing what I believe to be the leading tenets of Evangelicalism.
WHAT EVANGELICAL RELIGION IS
I want to point out what I consider to be the five leading features of Evangelicalism.
1.) The absolute supremacy of Holy Scripture.
The first feature is the supremacy of Scripture as the only rule of faith and practice, the only test of truth and the only judge of controversy.
Evangelicals believe that man is required to accept nothing as necessary to Salvation which cannot be read in or proved from Holy Scripture. They deny any other guide for man, and reject such arguments as “The Church says so”, etc., unless what is said is in harmony with Scripture. We will accept anything in the Bible, however trying, but anything contrary, however specious, plausible or desirable, we will not have under any commendation.
Our faith can find no resting place except in the Bible; its supreme authority is one of the corner stones of our system. Here is rock, all else is sand.
2.) The doctrine of human sinfulness and corruption.
Through Adam’s fall, everyone is as far as possible gone from original righteousness, and is, naturally, inclined to evil. Before God, man is miserable, pitiable and bankrupt, and in a state of guilt, condemnation and danger. Everyone is at enmity with God, without title to heaven, and with no love for God.
Such a spiritual disease calls for as mighty a spiritual cure. So Evangelical religion will not countenance anything which even seems to encourage the idea that there is an easy cure, or that a little outward appearance or sacrament receiving is all that is needed. Thus we protest strongly against formalism, sacerdotalism (1) or any other external or vicarious (2) Christianity. Such religion is based on an inadequate view of man’s need. Nothing less than the blood of Christ and the grace of God applied to heart and soul can cure.
It is because many are ignorant of the extent of the fall and the doctrine of original sin that they cannot understand Evangelical Religion. Next to the Bible, it is based on a clear view of Original Sin.
3.) The work and office of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the salvation He has wrought for man.
Jesus Christ has by His life, death and resurrection, as our representative and substitute, obtained a complete salvation for sinners and a redemption from the guilt, power and consequences of sin. All who believe on Him are, even while they live, completely forgiven and justified, reckoned righteous before God and are interested in Christ and all His benefits.
Only simple faith between the sinner and the Saviour is involved. Anything else is only useful so far as it helps the faith. But anything relied upon as an end is just poison to the soul.
The essence of Christianity is a practical knowledge of Christ, so that in teaching Christianity we can never speak too much of Christ, or too strongly of the full, free and simple salvation for all who believe in Him.
Now this doctrine is just what the. natural man most dislikes, for man wants a religion of sight and sense – not faith; of doing, not believing. People should be warned against making a Christ of the Church, or the Ministry, or forms of worship, or Baptism, or even the Lord’s Supper. Life eternal is to know, believe in and abide in Christ. Everything in religion is useful in so far as it helps faith, but no further.
4.) The inward work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man.
The foundation of all vital Christianity is a work of grace in the heart. Until there is real working relationship, religion is only a form which can neither comfort nor serve. People’s attention needs to be brought to the Holy Spirit’s works – inward repentance, faith, hope, hatred of sin and love of God’s laws. To tell people to take comfort in baptism or Church membership instead, is a mistake – and positive cruelty as well.
The inward work of the Holy Spirit is a necessity to salvation, but it must be inwardly felt, for nothing felt within the heart means nothing possessed. Feelings can be deceptive but the witness of the Spirit, however much it be abused, is a real thing.
5.) The outward and visible work of the Holy Ghost in the life of man.
God’s grace will always show in the behaviour and habits of the man who has it. It is not something dormant – something within but not without.
It is wrong to tell a man he is “born of God” while he deliberately lives in sin; he must overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. Only by his life can we tell a man’s spiritual condition. Where nothing is seen, then nothing is possessed. Grace that cannot be seen is not grace at all, but just disobedience to God.
Such are the leading features of Evangelical Religion. Although I have only sketched these in outline, and have omitted many things which, although part of the Evangelical doctrine, are, I feel, comparatively of secondary importance, enough has been said to serve my purpose. These are, I believe, the main principles of the teaching of Evangelicals within the Church of England. These are the first, foremost, chief and principle things in Christianity. Others may accept each of them individually, but they do not assign to them the pre-eminent position as do Evangelicals. It is this lack of attention to position which spoils much teaching.
To show all the foundations of Evangelical Religion in this paper is clearly impossible. But we challenge anyone to examine, impartially, our system in the light of Scripture, or the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church, or the writings of our leading Divines, from the Reformation to Archbishop Laud – we have no fears concerning the results of such examination. There can be no charge that we have introduced something new.
We may well be ashamed of our own personal imperfections, but we have no need to be ashamed of our doctrine. It is easy to try to frighten people against Evangelicals by such names as “Calvinism” or “Puritanism” (3) but impartial inquiry will always show that Evangelical Religion is the religion of Scripture and of the Church of England.
WHAT EVANGELICAL RELIGION IS NOT
I am almost ashamed to deal with the negative side of this question. But false reports about Evangelicals are so numerous that I must do so. We know that we are not perfect, and have many defects, but many charges made against us just are not true.
1.) Evangelical Religion does not despise Learning or Research.
No one appreciates more than us anything that throws light on God’s Word. Anyone looking at the lists of people who have been eminent in theological scholarship will find that some of the greatest have been Evangelicals. No school of thought has done more for the exposition and interpretation of Scripture, or produced more commentaries. Even today we have no need to be ashamed.
But while we do not despise learning, we do not place any uninspired writings on a level with revelation. Scripture alone is our guide. We leave it to others to speak of “primitive antiquity”, and “catholic truth”. But to us there is only one test; “What is written in the Scripture? What does the Lord say?”
2.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue the Church or think lightly of its privileges.
No one is more sincere and loyal to the Church of England; no one values its form of government, confession of faith or mode of worship more. We have stuck to it through thick and thin, and will resist attempts to Romanise it.
But we refuse to exalt the Church above Christ, or to teach that membership of a church is identical with membership of Christ, or to give to it an authority not found in Scripture or even in the Articles. Councils, synods and convocations may go wrong, and nowhere in Scripture is there any proof that Jesus Christ intended a body of men to be regarded as infallible. So, we hold, much of the talk about the voice of the Church is meaningless.
3.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue the Christian Ministry.
We regard the Ministry as an honourable office, instituted by Christ, and of general necessity for carrying on the work of the Gospel. Ministers should be preachers of God’s Word; God’s ambassadors, messengers, servants, shepherds, stewards, overseers, and labourers in His vineyard.
But we refuse to admit that the clergy are sacrificing priests, mediators, lords or private confessors, firstly because this is not Biblical, and secondly because church history shows sacerdotalism has often been the curse of Christianity. The exaltation of the ministerial office within the Church of England is likely to alienate the laity, ruin the church and lead to error and superstition.
4.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We honour the Sacraments as holy ordinances appointed by Christ, and as means of grace which have a “wholesome effect or operation” in all who use them rightly, worthily and with faith.
But we refuse to admit that the Sacraments convey grace ex opere operato (4), and that good must be done whenever they are administered; or that they are, above faith, preaching and prayer, the grand medium between Christ and the soul.
We cannot accept the doctrine that baptism in water and in the name of the Trinity is always and necessarily accompanied by regeneration, nor the practice of encouraging anyone to the Lord’s Table who is unrepentant and without faith in Christ and love for men. Nor can we accept the theory that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrifice, for this is contrary to the Bible, the Prayer Book (5) and the Articles. Above all we protest against the doctrine of the bodily presence of Christ’s flesh and blood in the Lord’s Supper, under the form of bread and wine; this is, indeed, “idolatry, to be abhorred of all faithful Christians”.
5.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue the English Prayer Book.
We regard the Prayer Book as the finest form of public worship, admirably adapted to the wants of human nature. We use it with pleasure and would never want its use forbidden.
But we do not say that there can be no acceptable worship of God without it. It has not the authenticity of the Bible, and we will not honour the Prayer Book as equal with Scripture, or regard it as forming with the Bible, the rule of faith for the Church of England. It does not contain any truth over and above God’s Word. It is completely wrong to say that the Bible and Prayer Book together form the Church’s creed.
6.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue the Episcopacy.
We honour and respect Bishops as much as, if not more than, any section of the Church of England. We believe Episcopacy rightly administered, to be the best form of Church government in this evil world.
But we refuse to believe that Bishops are infallible, and that they are to be believed when not in harmony with Scripture. We believe that there have been Bishops, Priests and Deacons from the beginning, but we will not agree to the statement “No Bishop, no Church”, or that Free Church clergy are not validly ordained, or that Nonconformist Christians (6) are not really Christians.
I repeat, in due respect to Episcopal office we yield to none. But we cannot forget that Bishops have erred, both individually and in conference. In the days of Charles I, it was the erring Bishops who ruined the Church of England. In 1662, when they threw out the Puritans, they almost did it again, and then again when they shut out the Methodists. History shows that, while we have had great Bishops, others have been a disgrace to their office.
7.) Evangelical Religion does not object to handsome Church buildings.
We like well-designed and well arranged places of worship, good architecture, well ordered ceremonial and well conducted services. We dislike slovenliness, and would have all things done “properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Cor. 14;40).
But we maintain that simplicity should be the characteristic of Christian worship. Remembering the great Scriptural truth, “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16;7), we believe the inward and spiritual character of the congregation is more important than architecture and ornaments. Further, remembering that human nature is easily led astray, we feel that ornaments, theatrical ceremonial, and such like, only drive men away from Christ, and make them walk by sight and not by faith.
8.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue Unity.
We love harmony and peace as much as any Christians anywhere, and long for the day when controversy, strife and division shall end.
But for this, there must be oneness in faith. Unity must be on a common belief in Christ’s Gospel, and not on a common Episcopacy. Further we abhor the idea of reunion with the Church of Rome, unless that Church first purges herself of false doctrines and superstitions; and we repudiate those who make advances to Rome while ignoring the Church of Scotland, as unworthy of English Churchmen.
9.) Evangelical Religion does not undervalue Christian Holiness and Self-Denial.
We desire as much as anyone to promote habitual spirituality of heart and life in Christians. No one is so concerned to exalt every Christian virtue, and true Christian living, as are we. With all our defects, none attaches more importance to private prayer, Bible reading and communion with God than do we.
But we firmly deny that true holiness consists in calling everything in religion holy; or that it is promoted by outward gestures, fastings and such like. Such practices are often only outward and a delusion, and, of themselves, do not make Christian holiness. It may satisfy those who desire worldliness one part of the week, and asceticism another. But it will never satisfy a Bible reading Christian, for it is not the holiness recommended by St. Paul, St. Peter, St. James and St. John.
To summarise. We do give all lawful honour to all of these things, but we decline to give to them more honour than we find given in God’s Word. This is the Scriptural position, and we can take no other. Those who accuse us of undervaluing any of these things only show their own ignorance of Scripture. If they can show that God’s Word takes a different position, we will confess our error. Until then, we shall maintain that we are right and they are wrong.
WHAT MAKES MUCH RELIGION APPEAR TO US NOT EVANGELICAL?
This is a delicate, but serious point. For while we do not say that men who are not professedly Evangelical, ignore and disbelieve the leading Evangelical doctrines, we do say that there are many ways in which the faith of Christ may be altered and spoiled, without being positively denied.
The Gospel may be spoiled by substitution. Put anything or anyone else in the place of Christ, for the sinner, and the Gospel is spoiled. It can be the Church, the Ministry, the Confessional, the Sacraments, and so on – but the Gospel is altered.
The Gospel may be spoiled by addition. Add anything to Christ, the grand object of faith, and the mischief is done.
Equally, the Gospel may be spoiled by interposition; that is, by putting someone between Christ and the sinner, so distracting the sinner’s attention. Or by disproportion; by giving secondary things an exaggerated importance and altering the proportions of the parts of truth. Or, lastly, by confused and contradictory directions – by complicated and obscure statements of doctrine, which are as bad as no statement at all!
Do any of these things, either directly or indirectly and your religion ceases to be Evangelical. We cannot expect any benefit from Christ’s salvation, unless we use the Gospel as Christ appointed. We must not alter the Biblical proportions in any way, whether by addition, subtraction or any “improvement.” God’s plan, of salvation cannot be improved. Anyone trying to do so, only spoils it.
To be really Evangelical, religion must be the Gospel, the whole Gospel and nothing but the Gospel, as Christ prescribed it. I am sorry to say that much so called religion of today breaks down because of additions or subtractions and other alterations, and so does not come up to the Scriptural standards which I have set out. Now, I do not accuse any who are not “Evangelical” with not being “Christian”. But I do say that they appear to me to teach something which is not Christ’s whole truth. The parts are there, but in the wrong proportions.
THE PRESENT DUTIES OF EVANGELICALS
Since we have been considering what Evangelical Religion is and is not, some thoughts on our immediate duties will not be inappropriate. We live in times which are critical for the Church, and dangerous for the nation. Popish opinions are found amongst churchmen, and there are shameless additions to the faith. Whether our Protestantism lives or dies, much depends on whether Evangelicals are really alive to their duty.
1.) We should be jealous over our own personal religion.
Today, a clear cut and distinct doctrinal Christianity is unfavourable. A liberalism which regards everyone as right and no one as wrong, meets us everywhere. There is a veritable devil of false charity about religion. When others would persuade us that it is “all the same thing”, let us remember Paul’s words, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith” (1 Cor. 16;13).
Let us stand firm in the old paths of the Reformers. Some may call this doctrine narrow, or old fashioned, but they will never show us something better. Let us have no man or form between us and Christ. Let us know whom we believe, what, why, and in what manner we believe. Only thorough Evangelical Religion can do this. Let us make sure it is our own.
2.) Evangelical clergy must be careful not to compromise their principles and damage their testimony by trying to conciliate the world.
Too often, Evangelicals use the plausible pretext of making services “more attractive” to cut the grounds from under the feet of Ritualists (7). But it is so easy to let in the Pope and the Devil. Such things may please the world, but they never convert the world. We cannot be too jealous about the slightest departure from “the faith once delivered to the saints” and the worship handed to us by the Reformers. Remember Paul’s declaration, “though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1;8).
Evangelical preaching and Ritualistic ceremonial do not mix. The world is never won by trimming and compromising, or by trying to face both ways and please everyone. Adornments and ritual may please children and weak-minded people. But they never have helped and never will help heart conversion and sanctification.
We need patience in these times, when it is provoking to be criticised about the nakedness, poverty and meagreness (so called) of Evangelical religion, and when we see so many going off to ritualistic services saying that they feel so much better after these services. But the end will never justify illicit means. Popularity through pandering is not worth anything. Worshippers who are not content with the Bible, the Cross of Christ, simple prayers and praise, are worshippers of little value. Further, remember the injury to our own souls if we depart in the least from the simple Gospel in any way.
3.) We must not allow Evangelical Religion to be thrust out of the Church of England without a struggle.
It is a religion well worth a struggle, for it can point to works which no other school in the Church of England has ever equalled. We confess, with sorrow, that we have done little compared to what we ought to have done, but yet we fear no honest and fair comparison, for whether at home or abroad, none has done so much good to souls. Nothing gives the Church of England such power and influence as genuine, well worked and well administered Evangelical Religion.
But if Evangelical Religion is to be preserved now, we must make a great effort and be prepared for a mighty struggle. For the sake of our Church and the future, let us resolve to make it. It is not of our seeking – the controversy is forced upon us. This is our choice; to sit in silence and let the Church of England be unprotestantised and reunited with Rome; or we can desert the Church and leave it to those who would change it; or else we must face the danger and fight, fight with the same Word used by Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley, and not with corrupt weapons.(8) If we want our church to continue Protestant and Evangelical we must do as they did, stand and fight.
What is to be done? All Protestant and Evangelical clergy must unite and organise; expose the Romanising dealings in every way, even going to law and Parliament if necessary (9). There must be bold and prompt action whenever required – these are our weapons. They must be wielded at whatever sacrifice.
Let us resolve then to “contend earnestly for the faith”, labouring in every way to maintain Evangelical Religion in the Church of England, and resisting the enemies around. We are not weak if we stand and act together. Most of the laity do not love Popery. God has not forsaken us, and truth is on our side.
Let us remember above all, that without these Biblical principles, a Church is as useless as a well without water. Should the Church of England again become Popish, it will be a church not worth preserving.
___________________________
The Author
John Charles Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool, lived from 1816–1900. He was a prolific writer of both devotional and doctrinal books and tracts.
This article is an edited version of the first chapter of his book “Knots Untied” which was published in 1877, when Bishop Ryle was Vicar of Stradebroke, Norfolk. It has been published in many editions including one in booklet form in 1959 by Church Book Room Press (London) titled: “Evangelical Religion”.
Footnotes have been added, and some modernisation made, to keep this important document before the Christian readership.
Quoted Scriptures are given here in the New American Standard Version.
FOOTNOTES
(1) sacerdotalism – a system which places undue emphasis on the priestly order, as for example in Roman Catholicism where the priest is said to repeat Calvary when he says the Mass.
(2) vicarious – i.e. standing in the place of Christ (as for example, when a priest absolves a sinner in confession).
(3) Were Ryle alive today he would no doubt include “Fundamentalism” as well.
(4) ex opere operato: i.e. without living faith in the recipients.
(5) i.e. The Book of Common Prayer – 1662.
(6) Nonconformist Christians.
(7) While ritualism still holds appeal for many, the so-called “entertainment church” is the model that is especially dangerous in our time and for the reasons given by Ryle.
(8) “I do not want to narrow the pale of the Church of England, for I am well aware it is eminently liberal, comprehensive and tolerant. There has always been room for people of widely different thought. But I cannot believe that our Church ever meant to teach the Roman doctrines of the Real Presence, the sacrifice of the Mass, and auricular confession. There is a great distinction between the old High Churchman, and the modern Ritualistic Anglo-Catholic, who is so near Rome that no one can see the difference.” – Ryle
(9) Ryle advocated resorting to law to resolve doctrinal issues. For Evangelicals now this option is neither desirable nor possible.
(Text and footnotes prepared by the Rev. Neil Prott.)
Where did all this Expository Preaching come from?
“There’s no doubt that, at least within Reformed churches, this is an age of expository preaching – of preaching sequentially through books of the Bible while always ensuring that the point of the text is the point of the sermon.
Yet you do not need to look far into history to find that it was not always so and that in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries such preaching was rare.
I was intrigued by Bob Fyall’s explanation of how expository preaching became not only accepted but expected. …”
– Tim Challies writes of key figures who promoted expository preaching in England and Scotland. Let us never take such preaching for granted.
Related: Sydney Church History – David Cook.
GAFCON press release 9th March 2023
Press release, 09 March 2023
“Many Anglicans across the world are deeply distressed by the Church of England’s recent decision to separate from the historic faith through the creation and implementation of prayers of blessing for same-sex marriages.
Several churches and Provinces within the Anglican Communion are considering their future with respect to the Church of England. The Primates of The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (who represent the majority of the world’s worshipping Anglicans) have already declared that they are in impaired communion with the Church of England and said that they do not recognise the present Archbishop of Canterbury as the “first among equals” leader of the global Anglican Communion.
The Gafcon Movement is a global family of authentic Anglicans standing together to proclaim the unchanging truth of the Bible in a changing world, and to support those who wish to remain Anglican but feel they are no longer able to sit under the authority of their Bishop or Diocese.
On 20 February 2023 the Gafcon Primates endorsed the statement released by the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans pointing to Paragraph 13 of the Jerusalem Declaration (2008) which says: ‘We reject the authority of those churches and leaders who have denied the orthodox faith in word or deed’.
In a number of countries around the world (including Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, the United States, and Wales), Gafcon has supported the establishment of alternative episcopal oversight for those Anglicans who in good conscience cannot remain part of their provincial Anglican Church.
Presently, the Gafcon Primates are meeting regularly with the Primates of The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches and other Orthodox Primates across the world to discern the path forward. The outcome of these meetings will affect the majority of the 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
Gafcon will not be commenting on the content of these meetings while they are ongoing but will be releasing a statement at the end of the upcoming GAFCON IV Conference to be held from 17-21 April in Kigali, Rwanda.”
New bishops for the Anglican Network in Europe
Here’s an announcement from GAFCON (via e-mail):
It is with great joy that we announce the appointment of two new bishops for the Anglican Convocation in Europe. Ian Ferguson and Stuart Bell will serve as Assistant Bishops under the leadership of Bishop Andy Lines.
Bishop Andy’s appointments were affirmed by the ACE Synod on 4th October after a thorough process of references, conversations and interviews.
Together with Bishop Andy, Ian and Stuart will seek to provide support and encouragement, oversight and accountability to the ACE ministers and congregations, enabling and assisting them to ‘proclaim Christ faithfully to the nations’ of Europe.
Bishop Andy writes: “I am passionate to see the peoples of this great continent have the opportunity to hear of the biblical Christ and to see lives transformed by him. Ian and Stuart share this concern and have already been demonstrably used by the Lord to this end. I look forward to seeing what more the Lord will do with and through them.”
Ian Ferguson was converted through the ministry of St Silas’ Glasgow. Married to Heather, he trained for ordination at Oak Hill Theological College under Maurice Wood and his ministry in Scotland involved pioneering and leading a new church plant in Westhill, Aberdeen for over 30 years which has, in God’s goodness, enjoyed significant growth. Despite the ‘success’ of Westhill, Ian has faced many difficulties along the way. This has particularly equipped him to empathise with and help those who are struggling in ministry.
Bishop Andy writes: “I am excited that Ian has agreed to serve in this way. His and Heather’s knowledge of Scotland and the Scottish Anglican scene will help me care for the Scottish Anglicans who look to me but I expect his long experience and wisdom to help me far more broadly than that geographical dimension. Indeed Ian has already been helping others struggling a long way from Scotland.”
Ian will be consecrated on Friday 21 October in Hull, along with 2 new assistant Bishops for the Anglican Mission in England, Lee McMunn & Tim Davies.
Stuart Bell is originally from Devon, but along with his wife Pru, was called to serve the gospel in Wales. Under his leadership St Michael’s Aberystwyth became the largest Anglican church in the principality and from where over 50 people have gone on to ordained Anglican ministry.
Now leading Fellowship 345, Stuart says, “For more than half a century I have been concerned to bring Christ to the people of Wales and the people of Wales to Christ. I am primarily a preacher / teacher with a strong evangelistic focus. My eyes are constantly searching for the people in the congregation who have not yet embraced the Gospel in its fullness. This is true of my relationships pastorally with members of our church as well as those which have been established in our local neighbourhood.”
Bishop Andy writes: “I am delighted that Stuart, with his wife Pru, have agreed to help me care for Anglican churches in Wales. Their long and distinguished service and their recognised knowledge of Welsh culture and language will be invaluable as I seek to serve the orthodox Anglican witness in the country. Stuart’s evangelistic focus is an added gift, as is the wisdom the Lord has given him in both difficult and good times.”
Stuart’s previous commitment to serving at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem this autumn means his consecration will be delayed until sometime in 2023.
Photo: Ian Ferguson (left) and Stuart Bell.
New Missionary Bishops for the Anglican Network in Europe
From The Anglican Network in Europe:
“On October 21st the Anglican Network in Europe plans to celebrate the consecration of four new bishops. They will assist Bishop Andy Lines as he leads the growing alternative to Canterbury-aligned structures in Europe.
Over the past two years the Anglican Network in Europe, with its two constituent Convocations – the Anglican Convocation in Europe (ACE) and the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) – have grown, with new congregations and mission initiatives being formed in Wales, Scotland, continental Europe and England. Individuals and families have found faith in Christ, and mature believers have found a hope and a home in historic, orthodox, biblical, confessional Anglicanism.
The clergy have also found proper support and encouragement, accountability and oversight from a highly relational model of episcopacy which includes opening the Bible and praying with the Bishop week by week.
In order to maintain this relational episcopacy and provide for continuing growth, both AMiE and ACE will have two additional bishops who will serve the wider Convocation in addition to their local pastoral responsibilities.
The names of the two AMiE bishops, Tim Davies and Lee McMunn, were announced in June. The two ACE bishops will be formally named shortly.
Archbishop Ben Kwashi, General Secretary of Gafcon, said: ‘The election and appointment of these servants of Christ is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the mission.’
The consecration service will take place in Hull on 21st October, led by Bishop Andy Lines and Archbishop Foley Beach, Primate of the Anglican Church in North America and Chairman of the Gafcon Primates’ Council.”
– Source: Anglican Network in Europe.
‘The Line in the Sand’ Author Interview: Archbishop Glenn Davies
The following is an interview with former Archbishop of Sydney Dr. Glenn Davies, one of the authors of a newly published book, The Line in the Sand.
This book is a joint initiative of the Australian Church Record and the Anglican Church League. It’s available for download here.
ACL Podcast Author interview.
Listen here:
or Download the file (right-click to Save As).
Transcript: Read more
Primates Council Communique, April 2021
PRIMATES COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE 29 April 2021
The Gafcon Primates Council met on 21 & 22 April 2021 via Zoom.
We are thankful to God for the time we were able to spend together in discussing global and provincial matters especially mindful of those facing persecution for their Faith, the Covid- 19 pandemic and its challenges to health systems, economies, and the worship of Almighty God.
Our General Secretary, Archbishop Ben Kwashi, was with us for the duration of the Council’s meeting. Archbishop Ben’s clear gospel focus for Gafcon and the Diocese of Jos was evident each time he spoke. We are thankful to God for the medical treatment and the breadth of hospitality he has received in the USA over the past 6 months. His treatment is coming to an end and indications are the chemotherapy has stemmed the cancer in his body. Thank you to all who have prayed and supported Archbishop Ben and Mama Gloria through this difficult time.
Despite the effects of COVID affecting every region, there was overwhelming gratitude to God for the ongoing faithful proclamation of the Gospel. While church buildings may have been closed, congregations learned new skills and met virtually. This has resulted in lives being committed to Christ, discipleship being undertaken, new churches planted, baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and consecrations all being conducted in a COVID-safe environment. We praise God for the work of His Spirit in building His church.
Following a decision in 2020 to reconstitute the Missionary District in Europe, the Council was delighted to hear of the renewed ministry to the region with the launch of the Anglican Network in Europe with its two convocations-in-formation, the Anglican Mission in England and the Anglican Convocation in Europe. The work of the Holy Spirit was evident in bringing the Network together in such a short time with the need for separate constitutions and canons for each entity.
The Gafcon Branch in the UK has increased its vision as a result of requests for support from further afield than England, Scotland and Wales. This has resulted in the renaming of the branch to Gafcon GB & Europe, reflecting the breadth of its reach.
Within Anglicanism the revisionist agenda continues to be pushed globally and we have seen an increase in the number of requests for affiliation with Gafcon. The General Secretary and Regional Secretaries seek the best outcome for each request to provide God’s children with biblical teaching and pastoral care that is faithful and obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Networks continue to draw together like-minded Anglican organisations in the Provinces and Branches. We were particularly encouraged by the progress being made in the Theological Education Network and the Church Planting Network.
We established working groups to thoroughly examine a number of current issues facing the communion and look forward to the results of their deliberations.
While our financial situation has suffered during the pandemic, our constituents were encouraged to provide the funding to ensure the mandate given to the Primates Council continues. A generous donor has provided a “matching grant” to match regular new donors and we encourage supporters to take advantage of this generous offer. We are hopeful for a fruitful result of our annual Gafcon Sunday scheduled for 27 June.
Gafcon continues to be focused on proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations, covered with prayer, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that revival breaks out and people turn to living righteous lives to the glory of God.
Archbishop Foley Beach Chairman, Gafcon Primates Council
and
Archbishop Ben Kwashi, General Secretary Gafcon.
Meeting others to worship is a lifeline
“A group of Clergy taking government to court might seem a surprisingly ‘un-Christian’ thing to do, when closing churches is to ‘save lives’. In fact, the reason we have commenced action against Scottish Minsters is born of profound Christian love for our nation.
We all recognise the challenges facing the government. But we believe that, however well-intentioned, criminalising corporate worship is both damaging and dangerous for Scotland…
There is an urgent need for a message beyond that of health and safety: a message of hope and salvation.”
– Dr. William Philip, Minister at The Tron Church in Glasgow, argues why it is so important that churches meet – despite COVID.
One Year in Sydney: An Interview with David Robertson
You may recall David Roberston’s interview with The Australian Church Record in July 2018. At the time, asked about his impressions of Sydney Anglicans, he said,
“I came here expecting to learn a great deal about evangelism. I have learnt about church structures, praise, organisation and leadership training – all of which is essential. But in my limited experience I’m not convinced that evangelism is a strong point amongst Sydney Anglicans (or indeed some other Christians).”
That’s what’s behind the beginning of David’s answer in this new interview with the ACR:
“I think what has happened is a warning to those of us who have big mouths – or at least think out loud!
After I spoke to you, I returned home to my church in Scotland, safe in the knowledge that I would not have to put into practice what I suggested. But the Lord had other ideas! Peter Kaldor of City Bible Forum challenged me to come to Sydney and put into practice the ideas I was talking about.
Through a variety of push and pull factors it was made clear to myself and my wife, Annabel, that the Lord was calling us here. In one sense it was a hard decision – giving up home, country and a now well-established church to come to the unknown.
But the opportunity to set up a new evangelistic opportunity called Third Space, and to work with Steve McAlpine and CBF, was one that ultimately, we could not refuse. …”
Scottish Anglican Network plans evangelism conference
“Two key figures in the orthodox Anglican movement will take part in a conference on evangelism to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 20 October 2018. …
The October conference will discuss what the Church is for, why the world needs to hear the Gospel, and how the Church can be better equipped to reach others with the Gospel of Jesus. …
Among those participating will be Archbishop Foley Beach, Primate of the Anglican Church in North America, and Bishop Andy Lines… …”
– Remember to pray for gospel-minded men and women in Scotland.
Have we lost evangelism? with Phil Colgan and Craig Schafer
“A good friend tells you when you have something stuck between your teeth just before the photograph is taken.
Scotland’s David Andrew Robertson was a guest on The Pastor’s Heart a few months ago and is a good friend.
In an interview with Australian Church Record, having spent three months in Sydney, he’s had some significant things to say about the Sydney Anglican Church and asks have we gone off the boil on seeking the lost saved? …”
– Take the time to watch Phil Colgan and Craig Schafer discuss the state of evangelism with Dominic Steele at The Pastor’s Heart.
And a response from David Robertson:
“This is a fascinating discussion about evangelism in Sydney – in response to this interview I gave to the Sydney Anglican magazine. This is from an excellent podcast called The Pastors Heart. hosted by Dominic Steele. I found it very encouraging to hear pastors and church leaders take seriously this issue.
I contrast these Sydney Anglican brothers with what I hear from Anglicans here (Rico Tice resigning from the Archbishops commission on evangelism, Kelvin Holdsworth complaining about the roads being closed for a cycle race in Glasgow, the Leeds diocese facing bankruptcy, or the endless attempts to impose LGBT ideology upon the church), and I am heartened by what I hear. (at a personal level it was good to have people take one seriously and not just shrug their shoulders or shake their heads!).
Those of us who are not Sydney Anglicans (or even Australians!) could learn a great deal from this conversation – I loved the line ‘You can’t convert the public square, you can only see people converted’. …”
Gafcon UK offers support to FCA New Zealand after same sex blessings vote
A statement from Bishop Andy Lines, speaking on behalf of Gafcon UK:
“With this decision, another Anglican Province follows TEC, Canada and Scotland in believing it has the authority to redefine marriage…”
Full statement below:
“We are not surprised, but nevertheless deeply saddened and concerned by the decision by the General Synod of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa to accept Motion 29 and so pave the way for the blessing of same sex relationships.
We note that only those in civil marriages or lawfully recognised partnerships will be eligible for these blessings. This shows that while a short time ago many church leaders around the world were arguing for such blessings but drew the line at same-sex marriage (as in the Church of England’s Pilling Report), now that line appears to have been removed. With this decision, another Anglican Province follows TEC, Canada and Scotland in believing it has the authority to redefine marriage, and offer the Church’s blessing to relationships which the Bible and centuries of Christian tradition clearly teach that God warns against and cannot bless.
It is encouraging that despite the huge pressure to conform to Motion 29 and the secular humanist ideology behind it, many courageous New Zealand Anglicans not only voted against the Motion, but are already looking to the emergence of new Anglican structures, which remain faithful to the Scriptures in contrast to those who have departed from them.
We pray for Rev Jay Behan and others in Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans New Zealand, and rejoice in their close association with the majority of Anglicans worldwide who continue to preach the biblical gospel of repentance from sin and new life in Christ. Jay and other representatives from FCANZ will receive a warm welcome and full support from all at June’s Gafcon gathering, and ongoing solidarity from Gafcon UK as they plan for the future.”
– From GAFCON UK.
Vale Bishop Chuck Murphy
“Charles H. Murphy III, retired bishop and founder of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA), died Jan. 9 … He was 70.
Through his organization, created in response to liberal drift in the mainline Episcopal Church, Murphy gained acclaim from conservative Christians for taking a public stand against liberal theology that rejected the authority of Scripture, the divinity of Christ, and other orthodox doctrines. AMiA provided a new institutional home to marginalized conservative Christians, churches, dioceses, and bishops in the US and Canada. …
By September 1997, Murphy and other conservative Episcopal clergy believed that their denomination had thoroughly embraced false doctrine and was resistant to reform. These clergy drafted and signed the First Promise statement. It declared the church had “departed from ‘the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this church has received them,’ and we declare their authority to be fundamentally impaired, and that they are not upholding the truth of the gospel.”
– Full story at Christianity Today. (link via SydneyAnglicans.net.)
Related:
Archbishop Foley Beach of the Anglican Church in North America:
“The reformation of Anglicanism in North America owes a great deal to his courageous and visionary leadership, and I am thankful for the ways in which God used him to spread the message of Jesus Christ.”
Here’s how the Editorial of ACL News, March 2000 reported the developments at that time. It gives a sense of the turmoil being created by the actions of the Episcopal Church, and varying thoughts on how best to respond –
On Saturday 29th January, Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda and the Most Rev. Moses Tay, Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia, together with other bishops, consecrated two American Episcopal clergymen, John Rodgers and Chuck Murphy, as bishops. Read more
Archbishops criticised for inviting proposer of Scottish gay-marriage motion to York
“A group of the General Synod’s laity and clergy have been placed in an ‘invidious’ position, they say, by the ‘entirely wrong’ invitation to the Bishop of Edinburgh, the Rt Revd John Armes, to the Synod’s York meeting this weekend. They argue that it looks like an endorsement of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s change to its canons to allow same-sex marriage in church. …”
– Story from The Church Times.
(Photo of Bishop Armes courtesy The Scottish Episcopal Church.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…