PRESS RELEASE FROM REFORM
A Sad Day For Worcester And A Warning To The Church
The chairman of REFORM, the Anglican evangelical campaigning network, said today that the imminent departure of the Reverend Charles Raven from St John's Kidderminster was "a sad day for the diocese of Worcester and a warning to the Church of England."
Speaking just four days before Charles Raven leaves the St John's buildings to set up Christ Church, Kidderminster, with many of his congregation, David Banting commented:
"the Bishop of Worcester's refusal to endorse the Bible's view on homosexual activity undermines the basis of Church unity. The gospel of Christ as authoritatively revealed and expounded in the Bible is the only basis for Christian unity and although Charles Raven has been forced to take radical steps, we hold the Bishop of Worcester responsible for this disunity in his diocese. It is a sad day for the diocese and also a warning to the Church of England that those whose consecration vows included a promise to safeguard God's revealed truth cannot expect blind adherence if they themselves encourage unbiblical teaching.
While the Bible urges us to be gentle with "weaker brethren" it is quite clear that false teachers must be strongly resisted. We therefore pledge ourselves to support Charles Raven and the congregation at Christ Church, Kidderminster, and I know that many of us will be encouraged to stand firm against pressure to compromise in our teaching by his courageous example. Our prayers are now with him and his family as they seek to lead their church at this stressful time."
The new church at Christ Church has invited David Banting to preach at a convenient time in the near future, an invitation which Mr Banting has "warmly accepted".
For Further Information
Please contact:
David Banting (chairman) : 01708 342080
Rod Thomas (Press officer) : 01752 402771
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Anglican Church League, www.acl.asn.au