REFORM MUST STAND FOR DOCTRINAL CLARITY IN NEW ANGLICAN COALITION

Although such an anachronism is impossible to verify this side of heaven, Cranmer's Curate is fully persuaded that Archbishop Thomas Cranmer would be a member of Reform if he were alive today. But would he be a member of the new Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans?

Fresh from his sabbatical, Reform chairman Rod Thomas is both honest and positive about his movement's role in the new coalition. Here is an extract from his latest newsletter for the edification of the youth group:

How will the newly-launched Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA) help us in the work of the gospel? At one level not at all. It is up to us and those with whom we share ministry in our congregations to evangelise locally, to pray for friends and neighbours, to think creatively about how to impact our communities, to open up the Bible to others and to show God's love by the way we live. But at another level its influence could be substantial. It provides a means of support between partners in the gospel so that faithful Anglicans who are struggling to hold firm, whether it be in Scotland, Canada, or the USA, can know they have prayerful companions over here. It can articulate the mission of the church in clear terms. It may be able to help with problems of episcopal oversight - particularly if the Church of England has difficulties accommodating new church plants. Most importantly, it presents the Jerusalem Declaration to the Church of England - as to others in the British Isles - as a renewing reminder of the gospel to which we adhere.

A renewing movement
The launch of the FCA is a significant milestone. Reform's stated aim is to promote the gospel through reforming the Church of England; the launch of the FCA - supported by Reform - is an important step towards this. FCA's aim is not to become an organisation or to set up a separate denomination but to be a renewing movement in the Church, helping people to stay faithful to a biblically orthodox faith and playing our part in the wider Anglican Community in support of those who are standing firm. The attendance at the launch (1600) exceeded the expectations of those planning the event and provided a fitting answer to those who argue that we are a marginal group. The presence of several diocesan bishops was also an important indication of support. There were some terrific addresses: Reform Council members Paul Perkin, Vaughan Roberts and Wallace Benn all spoke as did others who are well known as friends and leaders such as Archbishop Peter Jensen. Do try to get hold of the talks (some of which can be downloaded from the Anglican Mainstream website) if you missed them.

Reform's role
Like the Church of England, the FCA is broad in its membership and this was reflected in the range of different speakers at the event. To some this was puzzling because they were uncertain about how far speakers shared the same doctrinal convictions. It is important to remember therefore that the basis of our fellowship is a shared commitment to 'The Jerusalem Declaration' - which expresses our understanding of the gospel of Christ and our commitment to Scriptural authority. There may be some who are sympathetic to our concerns but cannot in all conscience be committed to our doctrinal position; in those cases we may simply be co-belligerents. However, where there is agreement there is genuine fellowship even if our traditions and styles are quite different.

Given the broad nature of FCA's membership, Reform's participation is crucial. We need to speak and act with doctrinal clarity and in love. We also need to maintain our effort to attract people into the membership of Reform so that we can help each other to act faithfully - as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).