Chris’ Considerations

Things on the blog have been GAFCON-centrated in recent days and maybe that’s left you a little GAFCON-fused. (Yes don’t worry about re-reading that – the jokes were actually that poor.) More sensibly, then…

Maybe you’re wondering what GAFCON is, why it happened, if it’s important and what has resulted from it. You might have a whole other raft of questions. Thanks very much to those of you who’ve left a supportive comment. After some helpful promptings from Adrian Reynolds, here: see the comments here: GAFCON and here: More Anglican Rumblings I hope it might be helpful to someone jot a few things down. Do correct me if any of my detail is wrong – my qualifications for writing this are limited!

What has happened? (Links all on site)

Since people might be coming at this from different angles, hopefully from this list of links, you might be able to fill in some gaps without having to wade through alot of other material! (I did start writing a rather lengthy introduction to the background of all of thbut wondered if the below might be more helpful - do let me know if you’d like me to post the extra detail).is

• Historical and Theological background to the Church of England (or Anglican Church)
• Writings of the Reformers of the Church of England on the sole supreme authority of the Bible (Sola Scriptura) and justification by faith alone (Sola Fide)
• Recent Developments in the Anglican Church worldwide: International Anglicanism, International Anglicanism II, GAFCON or International Anglicanism III.
• J.I. Packer on Lessons to be learned from the Canadian Church Experience
• Background to the Global Anglican Future Conference
• What happened at GAFCON? GAFCON Roundup
• Petitions in support of GAFCON

Although most recently the presenting issue has been one of the Bible’s teaching on sexuality, the main underlying issue is the authority of the Bible itself and the content of the central message of Christianity – the gospel. It seems that this key point has been missed at times. The GAFCON leaders have been portrayed as ”breakaway rebels” rather than those seeking to maintain the historic Biblical position of the Church. Thus, GAFCON has quite often not recieved a warm reception from elements in the press as David Virtue has boldly suggested. Apparently there is a BBC2 documentary due on 21st July which could be interesting.

Statement on the Global Anglican Future

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) took place last month in Jerusalem. One of the key developments that has emerged from the GAFCON was the Statement on the Global Anglican Future which you can read in full here. There was a briefing in London on Tuesday which provided feedback from the Conference. Leaders involved at GAFCON have clearly explained that they are NOT breaking away from the worldwide Anglican Church but are seeking to REMAIN in the historic, Biblical position of the Church of England.

As I understand it, there seem to be three key aims coming from the GAFCON statement. The first is for those who want to maintain the historic Biblical position of the Anglican Church more formally unite together – a movement rather than a moment in time. The launch of a fellowship of confessing Anglicans, (although I’m not quite sure what that will look like in practice). The second is to publish the Jerusalem Declaration – the doctrinal heart of the statement. Lots of evangelical theology there. Someone – possibly Greg Venebles? – explained, that this was like a big flag [which presents important Biblical truths] being planted in the Communion [of course under Christ] to rally around. The third, was to encourage some of the Primates (Senior-senior-pastors) to form a Council. Amongst other things, I get the impression it would provide a more coordinated and ordered (“Anglican”) way of helping congregations who cannot in good conscience accept the authority of a (Liberal) Bishop to find alternative oversight. Courageous action, which has been happening already in America.

Sorry, lots of jargon – do ask if I’ve been unclear or for more detail. I’ve deliberately tried to be brief!