Where We Stand: The Evangelical Connexion of the Free Church of England: Part Two

5. CONTEMPORARY REVISIONISM

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4:2)

Anglicanism generally, in matters of faith and morals, is engaged in a process of revisionism which not only alters the history and theological confessions of "mainstream denominations," but has chosen the way of cultural relativism with regard to Scripture itself. The FCE Evangelical Connexion is made up of those who willingly or unwillingly, can no longer participate in the structures of the Denomination to which they have given loyal support and service for many years.

A working document, AGENDA FOR RENEWAL, described as "controversial" by the present Primus of the FCE in his Church Magazine, was produced to define our position. It centres around ten points, all designed to take the FCE back to its original roots. One very significant point was to put the evangelical ecumenical unity back on the Agenda. The document did not get the necessary backing but has now be re-introduced by Dr. John Fenwick. He turns the argument for evangelical ecumenism into a proposition for modern ecumenism. He is a former ecumenical officer to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. Fenwick was originally turned down for membership of the FC of E by the then Primus, Rt. Revd. Arthur Bentley-Taylor, and this was a significant factor in the pressure brought to bear upon Bishop Bentley-Taylor, making him step down as Primus and Bishop of the northern diocese.

6. CHURCH DISCIPLINE AND CHRISTIAN LOVE

¹Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

²Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Readers of the new FCE YEAR BOOK need to be aware that much more lies behind reference to the Court of Discipline (p. 23) than meets the eye. Bearing in mind recent ecclesiatical politics, contemporary ecclesiastical revisionism, unconstitutional behavior, failure to recognise the proper procedure in bringing the charges, admission by the present Primus, in whose Diocese the charges were brought that they were inspired by personal malice against Bishop Bentley-Taylor, being brought by a minister who does not even have a church in the denomination, and by one who could not possibly have known the truth, or otherwise, of many of these so-called charges, it is clear they were designed to effect a resignation. This is acknowledged in the YEAR BOOK, "Dr. Shove had indicated that he reserved the right to bring the charges again if Bishop Bentley-Taylor withdrew his resignation." In fact, Bishop Bentley-Taylor retired from his jurisdiction as Primus and Northern Diocese Bishop. He never wrote a letter of resignation. He was "resigned" by the Free Church of England Council, a totally irregular procedure.

This present writer can assure readers of the YEAR BOOK that not one biblical, confessional, or moral issue, was levelled against Rt. Revd. Arthur Bentley-Taylor, who is a person of immense integrity and Christian character. The whole procedure was a travesty of truth and a denial of the Gospel principle, even if wrong, "to restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." This dastardly act will go down in the annuls of the Free C of E as one of its most unloving, unchristian, and shameful acts in recent history. The former Primus was under the counsel and advice of two physicians at the time.

[Part Three will be presented tomorrow].