In Depth:  George Crowder

All topics
Are the Prayers of Love and Faith 'killing' CofE mission and ministry?

Are the Prayers of Love and Faith 'killing' CofE mission and ministry?

George Crowder
George Crowder

For evangelicals in the Church of England there is one key question in the current crisis about blessings for same sex couples: How do I stay faithful to God in mission and ministry in the local parish church as the majority of the House of Bishops continues to reject the Bible’s teaching, contradict the foundational doctrine of the denomination and abuse power?

We are united on the importance of that question, but we not united on the answer. That is not a criticism, because there are a variety of answers depending on context, calling and conscience.

What next for evangelicals in the Church of England?

What next for evangelicals in the Church of England?

George Crowder
George Crowder

Yet another proposal in the continuing crisis about the blessing of same-sex couples was debated in July session of General Synod.

It had to be substantively different from the previous proposal, but it had a similar pattern to the one before that. It passed by a narrow margin, with, as Vaughan Roberts insightfully surmised, those in favour of change voting for it and those against change voting against it. Despite chummy overtures, it did not garner the unity it sought to inspire.

We are called to be prophetic – not just pragmatic

We are called to be prophetic – not just pragmatic

George Crowder
George Crowder

A dark cloud looms obstinately over evangelicals in the Church of England, neither advancing nor diminishing.

Its ominous presence weighs on the minds of clergy, aggravates committed church members, and repels potential candidates for ministry training. At stake is the future of Biblically faithful ministry in a denomination that is home to by far the largest number of evangelical churches in the country and reaches many parts that others do not.

Unity? This spurious unity is sinful and deadly

Unity? This spurious unity is sinful and deadly

George Crowder
George Crowder

In the aftermath of November’s General Synod, there has been a lot of talk about unity, whether the lack of it or the form of it.

When asked about division in the House of Bishops, Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, has been quoted as saying: ‘What we’re trying to model is how do you, despite the fact we may have different views, seek to try to find a place we can occupy together.’ Justin Welby, reflected: ‘Archbishops of Canterbury must always work for the maximum possible unity in the Church, however impossible that may seem and however deep our differences.’

Whether sport or music or gaming, let’s join the dots

Whether sport or music or gaming, let’s join the dots

George Crowder
George Crowder

Every Thursday evening, I drive from choir practice to swim training, and in so many ways experience a massive gear change.

They couldn’t be two more different activities, and two more different groups of people. Yet, reflecting spiritually, there are some thought-provoking similarities and connections between them. I first joined the choir because I wanted to have regular contact with people outside church. It’s a community choir with a very low bar for musical ability. I am in the minority, being male and under 50, but, being an Anglican, I am used to that. I would also challenge anyone to have a better success rate at inviting non-Christian friends to a Christmas Carol service. I invite the choir to sing every year, and they come, and they bring their families and friends to watch.

The terrible quandary facing C of E evangelicals

The terrible quandary facing C of E evangelicals

George Crowder
George Crowder

An informal update on Living in Love and Faith in the York General Synod only shed light on division and stalemate.

After the vote in February, much was left to be brought back in July. Though the synod voted in favour of the House of Bishops’ proposals, vital questions remained unanswered about the final form of the prayers, the pastoral guidance for their use and the provision for those who in conscience could not accept them. In truth, it was a vote to continue with a process, a process which was instantly hampered by the same profound disagreements that were aired in the debate. Church Society Associate Director, Ros Clarke, a member of General Synod, shared in the session that, ‘despite all the good conversations, the sharing and the hearing, the growing fellowship and friendships, there is a profound disagreement which continues to exist on these issues.’

The ‘disturbingly disingenuous’ claims of many bishops

The ‘disturbingly disingenuous’ claims of many bishops

George Crowder
George Crowder

February’s General Synod vote to welcome the House of Bishops’ proposals was momentous and has thus provoked strong reactions.

Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry and leader of the Living in Love and Faith process, observed: ‘The proposed provision has united a broad alliance of evangelical networks, and some significant catholic voices, in suspicion, bewilderment, consternation and, among most [of] the evangelical spectrum, rejection.’

Anglican evangelicals are deeply troubled

Anglican evangelicals are deeply troubled

George Crowder
George Crowder

Church of England bishops will meet this month to continue their deliberations about human sexuality and gender identity.

In this meeting, and then in a subsequent meeting of the House of Bishops (diocesan bishops plus elected suffragans), they will draw together proposals to put to General Synod in February 2023. It is most likely that this synod will be used to seek opinion on the bishops’ proposals rather than to ratify a new measure, but then this will frame the agenda for the July synod.

How the soaring cost of living can help us refocus

How the soaring cost of living can help us refocus

George Crowder
George Crowder

Whatever question they get asked, we have witnessed politicians on every side swiftly segue onto the subject of the cost of living.

It is an issue which affects all but the most privileged of the voting public, though it also serves to dodge difficult questions on other subjects.

The name’s NoRM – and I’m here to revitalise you…

The name’s NoRM – and I’m here to revitalise you…

George Crowder
George Crowder

The recent series of Revitalisation Webinars, run by Church Society in partnership with ReNew, has been remarkably popular. Many more people than expected have attended, and more than 100 ministers have been to at least one.

Whilst they are aimed at Church of England ministers, there have been a number of independent church ministers attending and, encouragingly, a number of lay people too.

Fodder	for	hard	times

Fodder for hard times

George Crowder
George Crowder

Book Review SEARCHING OUR HEARTS IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Read review