Church of England Appoints “Overseers” to Support Members Who Do Not Accept Same-Sex Marriage

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Amid ongoing division and disagreement over LGBT issues in the Church of England, the CofE Evangelical Council (CEEC) has appointed “overseers” to provide informal alternative spiritual oversight (ASO) to clergy and parishes that do not accept same-sex marriage and who are struggling with their denomination’s progressive moves on the matter, Christian Today (CT) reports.

The CofE recently voted to allow clergy to hold blessing services in church for gay couples who married in a civil ceremony if they choose to. The denomination has stopped short of allowing same-sex weddings in church.

In a statement, the CEEC said it was introducing the support of “overseers for those that that “have lost confidence in those bishops supporting change,” CT reports. The overseers will be clergy members appointed from across the country and from diverse evangelical traditions.

In a statement, Rev Canon John Dunnett, CEEC National Director, explained: “The blessing of same-sex partnerships and further possible provision for same-sex marriage, including allowing clergy to enter a same-sex marriage, mean that there are clergy and congregations who now regard themselves as in impaired fellowship with those bishops who have supported these innovations.

“Many clergy and congregations have lost confidence in the spiritual ministry of their bishop, believing them to be in error on this issue. As a result, over the past year, clergy and PCCs the length and breadth of this country have been asking us for spiritual support, Dunnett continued. “Our facilitation of ASO is designed to enable clergy and congregations to stay in the Church of England at this time. We are grateful to this group of overseers for their service to clergy and parishes,” Dunnett added.

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