News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Gay-Marriage-Main_article_image.jpg
Gay Marriage - Copyright Alain Robert / Apercu / SIPA / SIP / REX
World News

Traditionalist group ready for possible Anglican split

by Aaron James

The General Secretary of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), Dr Peter Jensen, also said that the organisation would be ready to "authenticate and extend fellowship" to those who disagreed with the decision and left the church.

The former Archbishop of Sydney said GAFCON did not want to see a split in the Church of England.

Dr Jensen told Premier: "When the American Church, the Episcopal Church in America, decided to break with all their ecumenical friends and to break with the tradition of the centuries and most important to break with the Bible, and to consecrate a man who was living in a gay relationship - that is schism.

"Now what GAFCON exists to do is to gather up the fragments and to unite Anglicans all around the world... repairing the damage after schism has been declared.

"Now if certain people disagree with this truth and embrace another truth, then it will provoke a crisis... and I hope it doesn't by the way, this is not to be hoped for... they will create a crisis.

"I'm sure that GAFCON will be looked for in order to authenticate and extend fellowship to those who stand on the Bible.

"You only need to look at what happened in America, where there was a consecration of a bishop in an active homosexual relationship... that would be, I believe, a red-line crisis."

Primates and advisors in GAFCON met in London last week. According to their statement, the organisation is "particularly concerned about the Church of England and the drift of many from the Biblical faith."

The release said the group is not leaving the Anglican communion, but is "committed to its renewal".

Rt Rev Libby Lane became the first female bishop of the Church of England earlier this year - a decision GAFCON disagreed with.

Some Christians disagree with GAFCON's views, arguing for women bishops and monogamous, faithful same-sex relationships.

The Independent reported that GAFCON has been encouraging divisions in the church over these and other issues.

Listen to Premier's Des Busteed speak to Dr Jenson here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate