Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship

4368The bishop of Grantham has become the first Church of England bishop to publicly declare that he is gay and in a relationship. In a move that will be embraced by campaigners for equality but is likely to alarm conservatives who fear the church is moving away from traditional teachings, Nicholas Chamberlain said there had been no secret about his long-term – albeit celibate – relationship with his partner.

But a threat by a Sunday newspaper to reveal Chamberlain’s sexuality had pushed him to speak publicly. He acknowledged that the revelation would cause “ripples” within the church. “It was not my decision to make a big thing about coming out,” he told the Guardian in an exclusive interview. “People know I’m gay, but it’s not the first thing I’d say to anyone. Sexuality is part of who I am, but it’s my ministry that I want to focus on.”  Continue reading

Don’t speak about your faith unless you’re asked to says Archbishop of Canterbury

94948440_justin-welby_1-large_transbqqpmmcjbyosm10vwhmrjqtlwagunwpdb2r_teu00cgChristians should not talk to people about their faith unless they are actively invited to do so, the Archbishop of Canterbury has insisted.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, said enthusiastic members of his flock should not to be afraid to talk about Christianity in a more secular society but advised them to listen to others before saying anything and, crucially, to wait until they are asked.

Under Archbishop Welby, the Church of England has recently launched what is being viewed as its biggest evangelism drive in a generation in an effort to reverse decades of decline.  Continue reading…

How This Church Is Morphing Into a Spirit-Filled Awakening

worship-service-htbOne of the most hopeful signs is what is beginning to happen in the Church of England, the official church of which Queen Elizabeth II is the titular head. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is a Spirit-filled Christian who speaks in tongues. Steven told me that recently he gave an altar call and prayed for each person who came forward for the baptism of Holy Spirit. This is virtually unheard of.  Source