London congregation joins alternative Anglican denomination, questions C of E’s ‘theological trajectory’

Andy Palmer, who also announced that Christ Church Balham is joining an alternative Anglican denomination, described a “dominance of theological liberalism in the Diocese of Southwark.

The senior minister said: “We have made the decision to join the Free Church of England (FCE) denomination, which we believe will help us secure the gospel ministry here in Balham for generations to come…”

Similarly to the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE), the FCE is an evangelical Anglican denomination. It is a supporter of GAFCON – a global movement of conservative evangelical Anglicans.

Rev Palmer continued: “Given the theological trajectory of the Church of England, many churches like us across the country are now looking elsewhere for alternative oversight from evangelical bishops.”

In a statement, the FCE’s Southern Diocese offered its congratulations to Christ Church Balham for “being bold in making a stand for the gospel”.

The congregation shall remain part of the regional church-planting Co-Mission network.

During an interview with Premier published on Thursday, the Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged there were deep divisions within conservative and liberal elements of the C of E over issues concerning sexuality.

Premier has contact the Diocese of Southwark for a comment.

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