Fulcrum Statement on the
Appointment of the Dean of St Albans

The appointment of Dr Jeffrey John to the Deanery of St Albans has produced understandable concern amongst many evangelicals and traditionalists in the Diocese of St Albans and across the Church of England. Especially in the light of calls for restraint and prayerful reflection during the work of the Lambeth Commission, clergy, lay leaders and church members in the Diocese of St Albans feel distressed at the insensitive timing of this preferment, the apparent lack of consultation, and the fact that it has been seen as undermining church teaching. It is also the case that many Anglicans overseas will find it difficult to understand. Fulcrum expresses its support for, and solidarity with, all those who are seeking wisdom and discernment in knowing how best to respond.

It is very regrettable that once again the church debate about gay clergy has become personalised and focussed on Jeffrey John. This current nomination is, however, despite some press comment, different from that to be Bishop of Reading last year.

Dr John's position as a Dean means that those disagreeing with his point of view will not be asked to swear an oath of canonical obedience to him; his role will not be a 'focus of unity'; his ministry will be confined primarily to the Cathedral; he will not have pastoral oversight of clergy, and he will not be confirming candidates. Nevertheless, his preferment will lead to some being unable to give full support to the 'mother church' of their diocese. Sadly, the substance and tone of his recent statements (and those of the Bishop of St Albans) only compound these feelings of disquiet.

The Church has always been a place of debate, conflict and generous disagreement. Although Evangelicals have always accepted that there will be occasions when they will have to oppose the views of some in senior office, this does not necessarily require opposing their appointment to such office. In relation to human sexuality Fulcrum is supportive of the House of Bishops' report Some Issues in Human Sexuality and therefore disagrees with Jeffrey John's personal interpretation of Scripture in this area. It is important that all those who hold senior office show respect for the church's teaching even when they disagree with it, and Fulcrum therefore welcomes Jeffrey John's commitment to uphold rather than campaign against the church's official teaching and to live within its guidelines. We continue to pray for him and the new diocese in which he will serve as he prepares to take up his ministry.