Special briefing: IASCUFO proposals and their rejection by many conservative Anglicans reveals the state of Anglican divisions worldwide.
The full report from this official Anglican Communion (AC) body can be found here.
The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals: Renewing the Instruments of the Anglican Communion, from the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO).
Martin Davie in his detailed response summarises the report as follows:
Key points of the IASCUFO report:
a. We are called to unity, but must be honest about divisions, especially about sexuality:
- Some see same sex relationships as sinful, and blessing them as wrong
- Others see rejection of LGBT people as sinful and unjust
The report accepts the reality of division in the AC, and using theological language to prioritise the goal of unity, sees diversity of opinion as a strength. So the AC should alter its aims to give room for different interpretations of doctrine while growing together.
b. We must change structures i.e. less ‘colonialist’ and more ‘equal’.
- The proposal is to replace “in communion with the See of Canterbury” with “historic connection with…”.
- A rotating presidency of the ACC replacing default chairmanship of the ABC.
Davie’s critique of the report:
- It doesn’t note the basic problem, that some powerful Provinces have ignored the principles of Communion by denying the truth (as seen by the majority of the Communion expressed in Lambeth I:10), pursuing their liberal agenda and refusing to be restricted, and showing lack of love to other members.
- It assumes that matters of sexuality are adiaphora, and does not engage with the view of millions of Anglicans that can’t accept this.
- If unity can’t be built on shared understanding of truth, the IASCUFO report does not show how that unity can be achieved, except by “playing about with the wording…and changing who presides at Anglican Communion meeting”, and vaguely hoping that God will somehow sort it all out.
Davie’s suggested way forward:
- The majority of the AC to take control of the structures and exclude/excommunicate the heretical provinces until they repent.
- Orthodox Anglicans now outside the structures to be included (eg ACNA and ANiE).
- If this can’t be done through the official structures, GSFA and Gafcon should “continue to develop an alternative confessional Anglican structure “.
Meanwhile Andrew Atherstone, also an evangelical, is a member of the IASCUFO committee which produced the report. He is much more positive about the proposals, as he explains in his article What is the future of the Anglican Communion, from Psephizo.
Atherstone starts by saying the AC is divided and it is an unrealistic dream to imagine a church where everyone is orthodox, heretics are excluded, and unity is based on a shared understanding of truth. But nor can we “keep pretending” that we are already united, by seeing everything as adiaphora. For others, the answer is to “keep separating”, but rather we should “keep engaging” recognising that there are major differences on core issues, but recognising the good that can be done through the AC as we cooperate on things we can agree on.
The emergence of GSFA has been a positive influence on the IASCUFO report, according to AA: “GSFA is not treated as a competitor to the Anglican Communion but, on the contrary, as an essential driver of Anglican theological renewal”.
AA goes on to say that the ABC can no longer be the leader of the AC and this is reflected in the report. Then the report proposes a deliberate “loosening of the straitjacket”, meaning an acceptance of theological differences combined with commitment to “remaining together”. So the AC should be like an ecumenical body and not try to be uniform on doctrine.
In conclusion, AA says that IASCUFO report provides ways to keep the AC together which are ‘generous and hopeful’!
Gafcon GBE sees several problems with Atherstone’s approach:
- Superficial treatment of Gafcon (which is not mentioned at all in the official IASCUFO report) and lack of serious engagement with GSFA.
- Wanting to keep existing Canterbury structures in control while promising renewal.
- No explanation of what defines the AC or Anglicanism if there is no agreement on doctrine.
- Accepting theological division as normal, and seeing the solution in structural adjustments rather than attempt to renew Anglicanism around biblical faithfulness.
- Dismissive of faithful Christians’ attempts to steer the Communion back in an orthodox direction (seen as “dreaming”) and new expressions of Anglicanism outside official structures (see as “separating”).
- Unable to see the dangers in what is essentially compromise with heresy.
The different approaches outlined by Atherstone and Davie show how divided orthodox Anglicans are on how to respond to the current crisis. Prayer for wisdom and clear leadership is needed.
(see also January 25 editorial, "God's language")
Church of England
Justin Welby leaves office. How should his ministry be remembered?
Madeleine Davies writing in the Church Times gives a detailed overview and objective assessment of what happened during Welby’s tenure, what kind of person he was, what he tried to do and why, the criticisms (and occasional praise) he received, and what kind of church he has left.
Evangelical activist or failed reformer? The triumphs and trials of Justin Welby, by Tim Wyatt, Premier Christianity:
He brought down predatory payday lenders, turbocharged evangelism and oversaw the appointment of women bishops. He was criticised for being ‘managerial’, but his time in office will be forever marked by how it ended after he became the first archbishop to resign in disgrace, following a critical report over a safeguarding scandal.
What is Justin Welby’s legacy to the Church of England? Ian Paul says there were “two Justins” – the humble, prayerful evangelist with a love for Jesus, and the scheming manager who believed that he could square the circle around the sexuality issue.
‘It’s over.’ A leading American Anglican gives a searing assessment of the Welby years. Gavin Ashenden (Catholic Herald) summarises George Conger’s opinion on the C of E’s leadership over the past ten years.
Ashenden’s own “professional obituary” for Welby can be seen here.
What about the future?
Does the ideal Archbishop of Canterbury exist in the current Church of England? From Christian Today. Julian Mann reflects on a wish list for desired qualities sent by a C of E vicar to the Church Times.
See also Julian Mann’s pick of front-runner for the post.
LLF latest
The Archbishop of York has promised “delegated episcopal ministry” within the Church of England for those who don’t accept services of blessing for same sex couples. In his response Martin Davie asks why conservatives can’t have a separate Province with robust safeguarding controls.
More from the wider Anglican Communion
Bishop Andy Lines attended the installation of Enrique Lago as the new Archbishop of Chile on January 12th, following the retirement of Tito Zavala. A brief interview with Archbishop Enrique can be seen here. Pray for him and for the growing Anglican Church in Chile as the leaders continue to align with Gafcon in the face of pressures to compromise.
Archbishop Vicente Msosa
Mozambique and Angola – the Communion’s newest Province (Portuguese speaking) elected its youngest Archbishop in November. Vicente Msosa, 43, will be installed on 25th January with representatives from GSFA and Gafcon in attendance. The Province has been dependent on the Canterbury-aligned Communion structures since its inception, but Msosa appears to be evangelical in theology, and needs our prayers as he takes on this challenging role covering two of the poorest countries in the world.
Other news and comment on contemporary issues
Christian faith, politics and the nation
The problem with the King’s gospel, by David Robertson, Christian Today.
In his Christmas address, King Charles said, among other things:
"The example that Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives and so bring hope where there is despair…that is the heart of the Nativity Story, and we can hear its beat in the belief of all the great faiths in the love and mercy of God in times of joy and of suffering, calling us to bring light where there is darkness”.
David Robertson explains why this is not the Gospel. Editor’s note: King Charles is still the Supreme Head of the Church of England, but just as renewed global orthodox Anglicanism can no longer be defined by relationship with Canterbury, nor does it (outside the Church of England) need to have any spiritual allegiance to the monarch of the United Kingdom.
‘I’m a new kind of Christian’: Jordan Peterson on faith, family and the future of the right. Transcript of a fascinating interview by Michael Gove with the Canadian Psychologist and Philosopher about the deep truth he finds in the Bible as the only basis for a coherent worldview.
Read in The Spectator here ,
Archive webpage here
Marriage, family sexual morality and child safety
Marriage matters, from The Critic. Daniel Lilley argues that marriage conveys so many benefits for individuals, families and society that it should be actively promoted and made less expensive and bureaucratic.
Grooming gangs and our moral fabric, from Coalition for Marriage. The grooming gangs scandal has tragically exposed how vulnerable young people can be exploited when societal values designed to protect them break down.
Tackling child abuse gangs calls for a return to Christian values, by Miriam Cates, Premier Christianity.
Liberalism has led to the removal of sexual taboos in Western culture, and elements of Islamic culture appear to devalue and target women of other religions.
Education, freedom and the gospel
Will more state intervention in family life threaten Christian freedoms? Steve Beegoo (Christian Concern) analyses the proposed Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill and explains the risk it poses for Christian parents and home-educators.
MPs question ‘intrusive and burdensome’ requirements of home education register: report from Christian Institute
What problem is the Education Secretary trying to solve? By Katherine Birbalsingh, The Spectator (via Anglican Mainstream)
African Christianity thrived, long before white men arrived, by Andrew Butterworth, The Gospel Coalition.
The church was established in Africa long before northern Europe, and 1000 years before European colonialisation.
What problem affecting 300 million people is not in the news? From Evangelical Focus. The latest World Watch List (2025) contains details of Christian facing the most severe persecution around the world.
And finally, something very practical:
Build spiritual habits in just a few minutes, from The Gospel Coalition.
Think you’re too busy to pray, read the Bible, sing a hymn or help someone in need? How long do these simple tasks actually take?
Summary for prayer:
- Give thanks for Gafcon's leadership in modelling clear, uncompromising faithfulness to God's Word, and pray for increasing unity in faithfulness to God's word among Anglicans around the world.
- Pray for the Crown Nominations Committee, soon to be convened, with the task of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury in a process lasting several months.
- Pray for new Archbishops: Enrique Lago (Chile) and Vicente Moss (Mozambique and Angola). Pray that they would receive the necessary support to lead directed by the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit.
- Pray that gospel freedoms in the UK would not be threatened by proposed legislation on home education.
The delegates present in Kigali pledged to give over $750,000 to become foundation members of the Gafcon Endowment Fund, by pledging to give $10,000 over the next 3 years. Might you or other faithful Anglicans that you know become founder members also?
You can sign up for a regular confidential update of items for prayer.
Our website and newsletter is the best place for News and Resources.
You can also find us on Facebook