Reverend John Dunnett, National Director, Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) and chair of the Chelmsford Diocesan Evangelical Network (CDEN) has resigned his title of Honorary Canon in response to the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Chelmsford Cathedral used the controversial Prayers of Love and Faith for the first time in a Sunday service on 16 November 2025. The Prayers of Love and Faith were commended for use in existing services by the House of Bishops in December 2023, although the legal basis and theological case for the Prayers has been repeatedly questioned.

Dunnett’s decision follows a letter sent in late November by CDEN to Bishop Guli and the Cathedral’s Dean, the Very Reverend Dr Jessica Martin, expressing “sadness and profound concern at the decision” to offer Prayers of Love and Faith at the Cathedral.

The letter, signed by more than 150 clergy and lay officers, outlined their concern that “this decision stands at odds with biblical (and Anglican) teaching on marriage and sexual ethics”. The signatories, comprising clergy, wardens, synod representatives and others, from the Diocese of Chelmsford said that the decision taken by the Dean and Chapter “leads us to feeling disenfranchised from the life and worship of the Cathedral” and called on them to reconsider their decision. Dean Jessica replied on 21 January to confirm that the decision will not be reconsidered or reversed.

Dunnett, who was made Honorary Canon by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, while he was Bishop of Chelmsford, in 2020, explained:

“I have not taken the decision to resign from being an Honorary Canon lightly or enthusiastically. It has been a privilege to have carried this honour over the last few years. However, the Dean and Chapter’s decision to use the Prayers of Love and Faith at Chelmsford Cathedral has alienated many of us who hold to the historic and biblical Anglican doctrine.

“My fundamental objection, which is shared by members of CDEN, is that we believe the Prayers of Love and Faith to be endorsing something that is contrary to the teaching of the bible. We don’t consider that a commendation from the House of Bishops in this matter has any authority if it is at odds with Scripture.

“Because Dean Jessica has indicated that the decision will not be reconsidered, it would be impossible for me to retain the title with integrity.”

Dunnett confirms his ongoing commitment to the life of the wider diocese, as a worshipper and a giver, engaged with synods, and committed to the mission of the church within the diocese.