In Depth:  Anglican Futures

On The Edge is a confidential gathering for Anglicans who are considering whether they can remain in the Church of England (or other Canterbury-aligned structures) writes Susie Leafe. It is hard to report on an entirely secret event – but hopefully this will give a flavour of what it is like to attend On The Edge.

The team of On The Edge, which is run by Anglican Futures, aims to provide a warm welcome – for many who attend, the first time they meet anyone involved is when they walk through the door of the anonymous hotel, and most are emotionally exhausted by the time they get there. As one participant said: ‘My family attended the first On The Edge. We were in great anguish, wanting to honour God, be faithful and yet not be foolish.’

It started with a conversation between a couple of ministers at our weekly online Coffee Room about the challenge of finding support for evangelical ministry in more deprived communities, writes Susie Leafe.

That led to a one-off Ideas Exchange, which has now developed into twice-termly online meetings and the beginnings of an informal network stretching from the west coast of Wales to the south coast of England. Plans are afoot for a new section on our website, to enable home-grown resources to be shared more widely.

‘For most of the book of Job it is long, boring and bewildering, it goes round in circles, and nothing seems to get resolved … It is a helpful insight into the experience of those who suffer,’ said Matthew Mason (see photo), Tutor in Ethics at the Pastors’ Academy, to those attending the most recent Anglican Futures Online Ideas Exchange, ‘Caring For Those Experiencing Depression and Anxiety’, writes Susie Leafe.

We learned more of the loneliness of those who experience mental health difficulties and the loneliness and helplessness of those who care for them. We recognised that none of us can ever be ‘enough’ and considered the benefit of a small group of friends walking together with the individual sufferer. We were pointed to God’s grace as we thought about the need for us all to be more vulnerable if we are to provide more accessible, safer places for those currently struggling with their mental health.