Leading evangelical quits Church of England leadership over ‘heresy’

Ashworth resigned over the Church’s increasingly relaxed approach to gay couples.

In the past, she had spoken out against women bishops and gay marriage and in her letter of resignation, she is said to have stated: “I refuse to be mistaken as one participating in the fanciful notion of ‘good disagreement’”.

“In light of this revisionist agenda and the heretical teaching that comes with it, I am no longer willing to sit around the table, pretending that we, as a governing body of the Church of England, are having legitimate conversations about mission”.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who jointly oversees both the general synod and the Archbishops’ Council alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, added he was ‘sad’ Ashworth had resigned.

“Those who elected her were of the view that she had much to give to the working of the Council, especially in the area of Renewal and Reform.

“However, I do not share her doubts that the Church of England will be part of God’s renewal of the Christian faith in this nation,” he said.

However, she suggested that other church & Synod members could follow her lead stating:

“There are many like myself, who long for clear and courageous biblical leadership from the bishops of the Church of England and we will pray to this end. Some will choose to remain as part of the Synod and they have my full support, but others will not”.