In this Month's Newsletter...

• Elections to CEEC Council
• CEEC Council Meetings
• We need your help
• Share the news!
• Privacy

Welcome

This is the second edition of our Newsletter. The next edition will be produced (d.v.) towards the end of the year. Any comments would be welcomed by the Executive Officer, Canon Michael Walters, executive.officer@ceec.info.

The future of Evangelicalism

The future of Evangelicalism? Does it matter? Is the label Evangelical unhelpful, especially in an age when so many have never heard the gospel? Let me offer to you three reasons why Evangelicalism has a future and why that future is important and then why we all have a part to play.

First, ‘gospel,’ has come to be such an all-embracing word that there is scarcely any belief or activity that cannot be sanctioned. However, for Evangelicals, the meaning of the word will always be of critical importance, and inseparable from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, understood historically as both penal and subsitutionary. Doctrine is important for Evangelicals.

Second, confidence in the Word of God. Much in the contemporary church displays lack of confidence in God’s Word. This is true of much preaching, understanding of the nature of the ministry itself and also in evangelism and, not least, in the place of the Word in our own personal Christian lives.

Thirdly, the global nature of the Christian faith, is an important reality for Evangelicals and reminds us of the essentials of the Christian gospel. We are united by a common faith that extends across all boundaries of race, culture and denomination. These three things all essential characteristics of Evangelicalism not just in the past, but more importantly into the future.

What part can we play? First, continue to meet together as Evangelicals, for prayer, bible study and encouragement. Second, work at the unity of Word and Spirit so that we can embrace the dynamism of both in their fullness. Third, let us play our part in reforming the church. Fourth, work together on the priority of evangelism and the transformation of both individuals and society. Fifth, let us make a reality of our unity in the faith across all human divides.

Be encouraged, pray and play your part. We may yet face challenging times ahead when Evangelical unity may be more important than ever. We need some understanding of who we are, our identity and our historic place within the Church of England. Forgive me for recommending my own recent book, but Anglican and Evangelical? (from www.amazon.co.uk, or www.continuumbooks.com) is a lively engagement with the contemporary church in understanding the historic roots and commitments of Anglican Evangelicals, essential reading for clergy, ordinands and lay leaders.

May the Lord bless you in your endeavours for the gospel.

Richard Turnbull, Chairman, CEEC

Elections to the CEEC Council

In accordance with the Constitution of CEEC there are 16 (8 clerical and 8 lay) representatives of the Province of Canterbury, and 8 (4 clerical and 4 lay) representatives of the Province of York elected to Council membership. In order to ensure both continuity and the opportunity to refresh the Council with new talent, a quarter of the representatives retire each year and are eligible for re-election. Each DEF nominates two electors (usually the Chairman and Secretary). Candidates for election should be active members of their DEF and be in sympathy with the CEEC Basis of Faith.

Those retiring (and eligible for re-election) at the end of 2007 are: Province of Canterbury: The Ven Julian Henderson; The Revd Simon Vibert; Mr Nigel Chetwood and Mrs Sarah Finch. Province of York: The Revd Simon Austen and Mr David Mills. A call for nominations will be made in the autumn. Election is by STV. Further information can be obtained from the Executive Officer, Canon Michael Walters. executive.officer@ceec.info .

CEEC Council Meetings

The Council will be meeting at High Leigh Conference Centre Tuesday/Wednesday 9th/10th October and on Thursday 13th December in London. In view of current developments in the Anglican Communion, and the tensions which exist between evangelicals, we need much wisdom. Please pray that we will know which issues are of strategic importance, and that the stance of the Council will be helpful in the cause of the Gospel.

We need your help.

These are the best of times and the worst of times. Last year we surveyed the leadership of the Evangelical Fellowships and Unions across the country. To discover these fascinating results they can be found on our www.ceec.info website. This year we are going a step further. We would like to ask all who have signed up for this newsletter for your views across a range of issues and topics. Your feedback will help shape the direction and focus of CEEC’s work and also give us a snap shot of your thinking. In just a few weeks time we will email you and be asking you to submit your replies on line.

At CEEC your views and work matter. We want to be help support and serve you as you make the Gospel know in your church and diocese. Your response could well play a key role in the next phase of our work to help Christians across the Church of England

Share the news

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