CEEC: Facing Current Realities. What is needed now?

Concluding presentation at Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) summit April 14 2026

From Anglican Mainstream

April 28, 2026

Scripture makes it clear that there are grounds for distancing ourselves from those in error in the church:

Romans 16.17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

1 Corinthians 5 9-11 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

Ephesians 5 3-7 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

I Timothy 6:11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Titus 3:10. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,

2 John 9-11 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

How are we to do this?

We cannot say who and who is not a Christian. But we can say that we believe they are wrong on 1 or more issues.

Examples were given from a number of parishes.  In one, distancing from revisionists has produced a closer relationship with other orthodox churches.  Another vicar does not feel they are being heard by their diocesan bishop, and feels as though the bishop does not want them to be there.  The vicar does not attend cathedral worship in order to express the reality of impaired fellowship.

In London Diocese, Bishop Mullally set up additional oversight within the diocese. But this was not taken up elsewhere and is (it was suggested) dying on the vine in the diocese. 

In some dioceses resources are being taken away from orthodox churches to liberal churches in an effort to show that liberal churches can grow.  One speaker suggested that in 25 years there will be two kinds of churches in the CofE, cathedrals and evangelical churches.

People are being discipled on these issues in church for 90 minutes a week and by the BBC the rest of the week.

Interview with Bishop Pete Broadbent, for 20 years the Bishop of Willesden. (Your reporter wondered why such a competent person was not made a diocesan). He is on the panel for Alternative Spiritual Oversight for the CEEC.

For him, PLF (Prayers for Love and Faith) is a line that has been crossed. It is not possible for him to be in communion with the whole House of Bishops because as a whole they allowed PLF. So, he does not go to the cathedral with other bishops.

Bishop Pete was asked several questions:

Q What would be your point of division?

A. Distinguish between the jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop (giving the legal licence) and their spiritual oversight.  We are part of the CofE. It has not changed its doctrine yet.

Q. Why have so many good people (who were orthodox on marriage) when they became bishops changed their views?

A. They feel they have to be there for everybody and give care to everybody so they bend and swerve and sway.

He expects that the new Archbishop, who chairs meetings well and got things done in the NHS as Chief Nursing Officer will push the agenda and try and get recognition of SSM in the CofE.

Q. What is the role of Alternative Spiritual Oversight?

A. It gives someone with whom concerns can be shared, who is at the end of a phone, and can give advice on how to deal with a bishop who is being a pain.  They share your concerns and give as much oversight as possible. (This was expanded later to indicate that ASO can be given to individuals in a mixed setting).

The Ephesian Fund

Parishes are using the Fund primarily to make a contribution to parish share – in the knowledge that the Fund seeks assurances about how the money is allocated/used.

Churches in 34 dioceses have used/are using it and turnover for 2026 will be in excess of £10 million

SUMMARY

The apostolic faith is currently written into the doctrines of the CofE.

LLF has produced impaired fellowship, is a matter of conscience and has led to a request for provision to secure orthodoxy, for orthodox oversight and biblically bounded spaces for ministry.

Q. Is the CEEC saying that people in practicing same-sex relationships are not welcome in our churches?

A. No – all are welcome... But there are certain roles and positions that people can have only if they are living a biblically faithful life.

Q. Are chaplains represented on the CEEC? 

A. Yes

Q. Has the CEEC changed its red lines?

A. No.  PLF is / always has been unbiblical and unacceptable.

“Guarding the Deposit” is in the CEEC Library online and is commended.  https://ceec.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/guarding_the_deposit.pdf

END