The board of Affirming Catholicism has accused St Helen’s Bishopsgate of making a mockery of the holy sacraments, after it appointed seven men to carry out informal sacramental ministry.

The appointments come in light of the Church of England’s ‘Living in Love and Faith’ process, which will allow churches to appoint alternative figures to carry out sacramental duties, if a church does not agree with its bishop’s stance on same-sex blessings.

William Taylor, rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate said: “This act of commissioning has been made necessary due to the tragic failure of the majority of bishops in the House of Bishops in the Church of England.

“The archbishops and most bishops have failed to uphold faithful Biblical doctrine, to guard the gospel of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, and to show loyalty and love for Jesus and his people by teaching the Scriptures faithfully.

“They have failed to follow the Church of England’s own canons in calling for an unlawful departure from the doctrine of the Church of England.

“Wednesday’s commissioning is the second of its kind. And I suspect many others will now follow, and in due course ordination services.”

Affirming Catholicism responded with: “The Church of England does not recognise or authorise lay presidency at the Eucharist.

“In the interests of unity and catholic order, Affirming Catholicism is therefore very troubled that, as the video released by St Helen’s Bishopsgate about the service makes very clear, there will be eucharistic services led by lay people in roles not recognised by the wider Church of England.

“We are also deeply concerned with Mr Taylor's comments about 'ordaining' bishops from outside of the Church of England. We also strongly refute his claim that the majority of the CofE has abandoned the gospel.”