The Church of England’s Evangelical Council (CEEC) has commissioned its first set of overseers, a group of Honorary Assistant Bishops and other clergy members who will offer “informal oversight” to those who feel they can no longer be 'guided' by their bishop due to their stance on the blessings of same-sex relationships.
The first 20 overseers were commissioned in a service at All Souls Langham Place, London. It includes charismatics and conservatives, egalitarians and complementarians.
The Ephesian Fund and the Alternative Spiritual Oversight (ASO), were introduced to help those who hold to the existing teaching and doctrine of marriage and sexual ethics, after the general Synod decided in November 2023 to approve blessings for same-sex couples as part of normal services.
Earlier this week at the 2024 General Synod, standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples were approved, and a timetable to work towards clergy same-sex marriages was endorsed. As a result of these decisions, many clergy and parochial church councils (PCCs) have lost confidence in those bishops supporting change.
John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, said: “The proposals outlined as the next stage in the Living in Love and Faith process represent a watershed for many in the Church of England. The blessing of same-sex partnerships and further possible provision for same sex marriage, including allowing clergy to enter a same sex marriage, mean that there are clergy and congregations who now regard themselves as in impaired fellowship with those bishops who have supported these innovations.
At the All Souls service, Revd Canon John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, led the congregation as they commissioned the overseers with the following prayer:
“We have heard your willingness to take up the role of Alternative Spiritual Oversight.
We now ask that, according to the riches of his glory, God may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
And so we commission you for this task, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen."