All CofE articles
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Opinion
The CofE hasn’t changed its doctrine on marriage. It’s still one man and one woman
Despite what some have suggested, the CofE has not changed its teaching on marriage, says Dr Ian Paul. He explains what has - and hasn’t - happened, and why he’ll keep fighting for church doctrine to remain faithful to Jesus’ teaching
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Opinion
The UK Church is not in decline. There are signs of revival everywhere
Rev Dr Hannah Steele’s church in Peckham was transformed by the faithful prayers of a band of women who prayed for decades. It’s just one story of many green shoots of growth that are springing up across the Church, she says
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News Analysis
Explained: CofE approves gay blessings for a three-year trial
General Synod has agreed to trial standalone services of blessing for gay couples, as well as concessions for parishes who do not wish to use them. Meanwhile, discussions continue around marriage for gay vicars. The margins are tiny, says Tim Wyatt, but both sides seem as far apart as ever. Is it only a matter of time before schism occurs?
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Opinion
Why don’t people trust the Church of England? (Clue: social media isn’t to blame)
If the Church of England wants to restore trust, it needs to earn it, says George Pitcher. Social media is not the problem, it’s the lack of transparency in dealing with the hard issues
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Opinion
Synod’s same-sex discussions are still stuck
Yet there were some glimmers of hope, says Rev Jago Wynne. Here’s what a way forward for the CofE might look like
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Opinion
The Church of England must repent. It’s the only way to stop the decline
As the church’s governing body prepares for another round of debates over same-sex relationships and the decision to host raves in cathedrals causes consternation, Tim Dieppe suggests that radical repentance is the only way to stop the rot
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Opinion
The CofE has lost the trust of church abuse survivors
Following the furore caused by the CofE’s decision to disband the Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB) this summer, a review into what went wrong has now been published. But until the Church accepts that it has lost the trust of survivors and victims, there can be no moving forward, says Gavin Drake
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Opinion
These CofE devotionals are lightweight, haphazard and verging on heresy. We can do better
At best, the CofE’s Christmas social media campaign is too light and fluffy to communicate the truth of the gospel says Rev Peter Ould. At worst, it misinterprets and mistranslates scripture. The Church must do better if it wants to win souls for Christ
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Opinion
We interrupted a church service to protest climate change. Here’s why
Christian Climate Action’s protest during a live radio broadcast from Chichester Cathedral has sparked some criticism. Holly Anna Petersen says that far from being unchristian, standing up for the poor is more important than anything
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Opinion
Why I won’t quit the CofE despite the chaos over same-sex relationships
Services of blessings for gay couples were narrowly approved for a trial period at the Church of England’s General Synod yesterday, amid heated debate. Here, Ed Shaw, a celibate, gay minister in the CofE, reflects on the decision and why he’ll continue to campaign for orthodox teaching on sex and marriage to be retained
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Opinion
Why I still believe the Church of England’s prayers for same-sex couples won’t work
The theological rationale published by CofE bishops in support of their proposed prayers to bless same-sex couples contain welcome honesty, says Sean Doherty. But the pastoral guidance is still fatally flawed and pleases neither side, he says
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News Analysis
The CofE and same-sex blessings: What’s happening now
The debate over same-sex marriage and prayers of blessing continue in the Church of England. Tim Wyatt explains what’s being proposed at the upcoming General Synod and what it might mean for Anglicans
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News Analysis
Bringing home a national treasure
A crowdfunding campaign has raised over half a million pounds to bring a tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII and dubbed “the birth certificate of the Church of England”, back to the UK.
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Opinion
HTB’s Nicky Gumbel and Archie Coates break silence on same-sex prayers
Eleven prominent Christian leaders, including HTB’s Archie Coates and Nicky Gumbel, have written to CofE bishops to say that introducing prayers for same-sex couples would be “unlawful, unconstitutional, and illegitimate” without a full debate and vote at next week’s General Synod. Here’s the letter in full and what it could mean for HTB’s stance on sexuality
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Opinion
CofE bishops have walked away from the authority of God’s word. We can no longer walk with them
St Helen’s Bishopsgate has become the latest high profile CofE church to announce it is breaking from the House of Bishops over same sex relationships. In a video posted on their social media, Rev William Taylor explained their decision, and what comes next. Read the full transcript below
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Opinion
‘We can’t bless what God curses’ and 4 other reasons why I’m opposing the CofE’s heretical same-sex blessings
Blessing same-sex relationships is a change in Church doctrine, says Rev Dr Lee Gatiss, no matter how hard bishops try to argue otherwise.