In a recent address to the Liverpool Diocesan Synod, Bishop James Jones has ignited controversy with his stance on the issue of homosexuality within the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. Bishop Jones advocates for a stance of ‘diversity,’ suggesting that differing views on homosexual relationships—whether seeing them as morally wrong or acceptable within a ‘stable and faithful relationship’—should be allowed to coexist peacefully within the Church.
Bishop Jones, known for his evangelical credentials and former leadership roles with Wycliffe Hall and the Church Pastoral Aid Society, previously opposed the appointment of Canon Jeffrey John—a known proponent of LGBT rights within the Church—as Bishop of Reading in 2003. However, since then, Bishop Jones has notably shifted his position. In February 2008, he expressed regret for his previous actions and apologized for the distress caused to Dr. John and his partner. His recent address further underscores this shift, revealing a change not just in personal belief but in his approach to diocesan and Anglican Communion-wide issues.
This evolution in Bishop Jones’ perspective has raised significant concerns among orthodox Anglicans across the Communion. His recent address suggests that the Church of England and the Anglican Communion should embrace a spectrum of ethical views on homosexuality. He posits that this approach is already being practiced in his diocese and in international partnerships, such as with the Diocese of Virginia and the Diocese of Akure in Nigeria. This stance could challenge traditional views and provoke reactions from regions of the Communion that remain steadfast in their opposition to the acceptance of same-sex relationships.
Anglican Mainstream critiques Bishop Jones’ position as flawed both in its teaching and practical implications. The organization argues that this approach does not address the deeper issues at stake, namely, the movement towards dismantling the Judeo-Christian understanding of human identity—a shift that acceptance of gay marriage represents. They contend that framing the issue as merely a pastoral challenge—‘going along to get along’—is a fundamental error. Instead, they believe the Church should confront false teachings directly and uphold biblical truth as revealed in Scripture.
Anglican Mainstream emphasizes that true unity within the Church is grounded in faithfulness to the Scriptures and the teachings of Christ. They argue that this unity must be the foundation for sharing the Gospel with the world, rather than accommodating divergent views that could undermine core doctrinal positions.
As the Anglican Communion grapples with these complex issues, Bishop Jones’ address has undoubtedly set the stage for further debate and reflection on the future direction of the Church’s approach to ethical and doctrinal diversity.