The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has released a new film today, designed to highlight its provision of Alternative Spiritual Oversight (ASO) and the benefits already being experienced by those giving and those receiving it.
In just over 10 minutes, the film explains what ASO is, why it is needed and how it is helping people in churches across the country, as they navigate the current crisis around Living in Love and Faith in the Church of England. Watch the film here.
The CEEC launched its provision of Alternative Spiritual Oversight in November 2023 after the House of Bishops voted for the proposed prayers of love and faith and to make it possible for clergy to marry their same sex partners. Clergy and PCCs can request ASO by filling out a simple form.
Revd Canon John Dunnett, National Director, CEEC, said: “People from across the country told us that it was becoming impossible for them to receive spiritual oversight from their bishop(s), because they were moving away from a biblical understanding of marriage and sexual ethics. This has left many, both clergy and laity, feeling increasingly isolated.
“We facilitated ASO in order to help clergy and parishes receive spiritual oversight without having to look outside of the Church of England. It has been in place for just over a year and we are hearing just how much of a difference it is making to those contending on the ground. We would love for more people to be able to draw on this provision and make use of it.”
The CEEC hopes is that this will be a temporary provision which will support evangelicals to stay in the Church of England until a permanent and legal settlement based on structural provision is made available. The CEEC stresses that ASO does not replace the ongoing formal and legal role of bishops.
Revd Suzan Williams, New Wine Rural Ministry Lead, said in the film: “To have that separate provision, that is orthodox in its approach, orthodox in its understanding fundamentally of the outworking of scripture and how that impacts our lives and the choices we make, is a huge thing…particularly for those who are right on the front line not knowing if a situation comes up where they feel vulnerable, if they’ll have the protection of those in senior leadership.”
Revd Kieran Bush, Chair of the Renew Planning team, added: “People need that spiritual encouragement and support…and confidence that they’re doing the right thing at the current time.”
The CEEC has also encouraged those who feel they might be able to provide oversight to contact the team at aso@ceec.info.
More information can be found on the CEEC website.