Giving up or leaving would feel like handing over our national Church to error: a Church whose foundational documents and liturgy are beautifully biblical in content, a Church that I believe still has the potential to reach every part of our nation through the parish system, a Church that God has consistently used and blessed in the past – even through times of false teaching and living by its leaders.
In 1Timothy 1:3, the apostle Paul urges Timothy to stay and fight false teaching in the church in Ephesus, not leave it to false teachers. Throughout Church history, people like Martin Luther, John Wesley and, more recently, JI Packer, were effectively excluded by existing denominations – but they didn’t leave of their own accord. This may, of course, happen to us in the future. But it does not yet feel inevitable.
Interestingly, some of those most supportive of people like me staying and fighting are friends in other denominations who don’t want the CofE to be lost to orthodoxy. So, for now, I’m staying put and, wearily, putting the next General Synod date in my diary.
Why I won’t quit the CofE despite the chaos over same-sex relationships
I used to be more well, just leave or go separate ways.
Nowadays I am more belligerent especially when there is a greater or more reasonable chance of digging in and fighting. The Church of England has certain advantages for trench warfare:
First, legally the Church of England doesn't exist. It has no legal personality, it cannot sue nor be sued. Thus, there are an infinite number of different parts which interact in wonderfully complex ways, which means an INFINITE number of loopholes for the cunning to exploit (yes, this brings JOY to my Chinese soul).
Second, fortunately no one in the CofE has supreme or ultimate power (unlike a certain other Church, heh), so the liberal's power here, though not to be underestimated, is not unlimited.
Finally, the other part of the global Orthodox Anglicans are willing to intervene and support the orthodox in England.
So, yes, we shouldn't let the devil have the best tune, especially not Anglican hymns and choral tradition!
In the words of the hymn:
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
8. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
9. The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
10. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
11. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!