As the Church of England navigates turbulent debates on sexual ethics, a new initiative offers a lifeline to those seeking traditional spiritual guidance. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has introduced an alternative spiritual oversight (ASO) scheme for Anglicans unsettled by recent developments.
The ASO initiative, introduced in November 2023, arises from tensions within the Church regarding its stance on same-sex unions. Recent decisions to bless same-sex relationships and allow clergy to engage in same-sex marriages have sparked significant internal discord.
A video published by the CEEC illustrates how this division primarily affects the Church’s hierarchy, with a notable rift between leadership and parishioners. Many bishops have adopted a more liberal stance on sexual matters, which some clergy and members find inconsistent with biblical teachings.
Those opposed to these changes often express a respect for their bishop’s legal authority but struggle with the spiritual direction they perceive as departing from traditional biblical interpretations.
ASO offers a solution for those who feel disconnected, allowing them to maintain their affiliation with the Church of England while seeking spiritual oversight in line with their beliefs.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, the National Director of CEEC, advocates for greater awareness and use of the ASO program among Anglicans who feel marginalized by recent developments.
“People from across the country told us that it was becoming impossible for them to receive spiritual oversight from their bishop(s), because they were moving away from a biblical understanding of marriage and sexual ethics. This has left many, both clergy and laity, feeling increasingly isolated,” Rev Dunnett explained.
“We facilitated ASO in order to help clergy and parishes receive spiritual oversight without having to look outside of the Church of England. It has been in place for just over a year and we are hearing just how much of a difference it is making to those contending on the ground.
“We would love for more people to be able to draw on this provision and make use of it.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
