A vicar associated with a breakaway Anglican denomination, the Free Church of England (FCE), has been sacked following controversial comments made on his YouTube channel.
Rev Brett Murphy, known for his 'anti-woke' gospel, drew severe criticism earlier this year when he referred to the Church of England's first trans woman archdeacon, Rachel Mann, as a "bloke" and a "fella" to his 14,000 subscribers. Whilst the controversial remarks did not initially result in disciplinary action, the situation escalated when Rev Murphy labelled female priests as "witches" in his videos.
The FCE held that the "nature and tone" of his online postings had brought the church "into disrepute”.
Defending his comments, Rev Murphy insisted they were made "tongue in cheek" and argued for his "right to free speech," despite being personally opposed to women's ordination.
Just one? Nah I got plenty, here's just a few...
— Rev'd Brett Murphy (@RevdBrettMurphy) September 3, 2024
1. Women's ordination is utterly wrong and inspired by a spirit of witchcraft.
2. Homosexuality is a sin and should preferably be referred to by the biblical term sodomy.
3. Abortion is murder and should be abolished.
4. Patriarchy… pic.twitter.com/sNNY88fPY9
A statement by the Free Church says: “The Free Church of England acknowledges the concerns and questions raised regarding developments related to the Rev'd Brett Murphy.
"We understand that silence can be frustrating, but please know that this is not due to avoidance or fear of transparency. Rather, it is out of respect for the confidentiality of an ongoing process, that is being handled with the utmost care and diligence.”
Rev Murphy insists the decision was made by a “kangaroo court” and has been “one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives”.
He told the Telegraph: “The cold and callous disregard about caring for my pregnant wife and two children has been a concern to us.”
Since his dismissal, he has received £140,000 in online donations to fund the purchase of a new home.
One of his supporters has been Calvin Robinson, who left the CofE for the FCE in 2022, before leaving the FCE in 2023.
