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UK News

GAFCON 'warmly commends' plans for potential CofE split

by Antony Bushfield

The organisation, which says it is "standing together to retain and restore the Bible to the heart of the Anglican Communion" issued a statement following press reports on the issue.

A group of parishes is said to be preparing what could lead to the first formal split in the Church of England over homosexuality.

According to the Telegraph, almost a dozen congregations in the Home Counties are set to meet this week to discuss the possible formation of a new church within the Anglican Communion.

It's understood the talks won't lead to an immediate breakaway but will include discussions on setting up structures needed if that were to happen.

It could lead to what's been described as a 'shadow synod'.

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Chairman of GAFCON UK Task Force, Andy Lines, said: "The message being clearly conveyed is that there are Church of England churches that hold to the unchanging truths of the gospel and the formularies of the Church of England.

"These churches oppose the relentless slide towards revisionism in the Church of England structures.

"These churches are prepared to take action to protect their congregations."

He added: "GAFCON UK exists to promote faithfulness to the gospel and provide fellowship for those who share this commitment, and it is for these reasons that we warmly commend this initiative."

Despite fears for the future from some, the Church has so far refused to endorse same sex marriage and won't allow it's clergy to marry same sex partners.

Rev Dr Peter Sanlon, Vicar of St Mark's Church in Tunbridge Wells, is hosting the talks later this week. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: "If senior leaders of the Church of England water down the teaching of the Church of England on key issues like homosexuality, then this synod could easily evolve in to a new Anglican jurisdiction in England."

A spokesperson for the Church of England said: "The Shared Conversations process over the last two years included the participation of over 1300 members of the church in regional and national settings.

"Through those conversations, deep convictions have been shared and profound differences better understood.

"It is our hope that what has been learned through the relationships developed will inform the way the church conducts whatever further formal discussions take place in the future."

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