PRESS RELEASE FROM REFORM
REFORM EXPANDS NATIONAL NETWORK
The number of local REFORM groups is growing and more are in the pipeline, the national Council of REFORM was told at its meeting in London last Wednesday (20th March). Local groups vary in size and consist of both clergy and laity. Last year nine such groups were in existence. In the last few months, this has increased to fourteen, with discussions continuing over the formation of yet more.
Speaking after the meeting, REFORM chairman David Banting said: “The Council were very encouraged to hear of these developments. The strength of REFORM is in the ability of its members to take action at the local or diocesan level to promote the gospel; to encourage change and to oppose unhelpful or unbiblical developments. These groups will help members identify issues and encourage them in their gospel witness.”
The Council also:
· Approved plans for the launch of a new series of publications aimed at ordinary churchgoers designed to explain the basic beliefs of Anglican Christians. This is a direct response to calls made at last year’s REFORM conference by lay members for more education on doctrinal issues so that they would be better equipped to defend the gospel.
· Expressed dismay at the way in which senior Church figures were exacerbating a false controversy over the teaching at Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead by caricaturing and criticising it in an uninformed way.
· Declared continuing support for the Rev’d Charles Raven and the congregation at Christ Church, Kidderminster who have left the Church of England with real reluctance, but have remained Anglican. The Council noted that the issue was not one of personalities but of doctrine – namely the doctrine of the Bishop of Worcester. The Council stated: “We are in communion with Charles Raven and the congregation at Christ Church, Kidderminster and not with the Bishop of Worcester.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
REFORM is a network of Anglican evangelicals committed to evangelising the nation. There is a common belief that the Church of England could provide the best basis for this, but only if the Church remains committed to the absolute authority of Scripture. REFORM was set up in the wake of the vote on the ordination of women but now campaigns on a wide variety of issues. Approximately one third of all members are clergy.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact:
Rev David Banting (Chairman) on 01708 376400
Rev Rod Thomas (Press Officer) on 01752 402771 END