The Faith and Order Commission – författare

The Gospel, Sexual Abuse and the Church has been written by the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England in response to a request from the lead bishop for safeguarding for theological material that complements the work of the National Safeguarding Team on policy and training. It has been approved for publication and commended for study by the House of Bishops. The Gospel, Sexual Abuse and the Church is intended to be used by those with responsibility for teaching and preaching in the Church of England, including clergy and licensed lay ministers, and those with specific responsibilities for safeguarding training. The three main sections provide material that can be used for training sessions and study days, with groups such as a PCC or Church Council, a ministry team, or a discussion group. Each section includes suggested quotations for reflection, discussion questions and a ‘Bible focus’.‘Safeguarding raises significant theological questions for Christians: questions about humanity, sin, grace, forgiveness, reconciliation and the church. Making space for grappling with the issues that arise here is essential if the church is going to be able to speak about God and about the gospel both when it is seeking to do safeguarding well and when it is reacting to situations where something has gone badly wrong.’- From the Preface by The Right Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Chair of the Faith and Order Commission

While forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes in the church’s proclamation of the gospel, superficial understandings that separate them from justice and repentance have serious consequences for Christian ministry to survivors and perpetrators of abuse, and for the church’s witness to wider society. This theological and pastoral resource addresses specific challenges to the church as it seeks to speak truthfully in the aftermath of abuse, and provides material to help parishes and dioceses who find themselves facing the complex realities of such issues. It explores key questions:- What do we mean by 'abuse'?- What is distinctive about abuse as a form of sin?- Is there a place for repentance by churches?- How should the church speak of being forgiven and forgiving?- Does the church have a ministry of reconciliation in the aftermath of abuse?Designed to complement the Church of England's extensive safeguarding practice guidance, this resource provides guidance for all who preach, teach and exercise pastoral ministry in the Church of England. It has been approved and commended for study by the House of Bishops.

This important and timely study is rooted in the belief that the relationship between Judaism and Christianity is a gift of God to the church to be received with gratitude, respect and care, so that we may learn more fully about God’s purposes for the world. It offers a theological exploration of that relationship that is mindful of the prejudice and persecution experienced by the Jewish community throughout history, not least from the Christian church, and is intended as antidote to antisemitism. Part One explores the distinctive relationship between Judaism and Christianity and traces its troubled history. Part Two considers critical contemporary issues and reflects on how the Church should conduct itself appropriately in its mission and evangelism, teaching and preaching, ethical practices and attitudes towards Israel and Palestine.

This report from the Faith and Order Commission explores the idea of ‘witness’ in the life of the church. It is intended as a theological resource to encourage Christians to think of themselves as witnesses, ready to speak of what they have seen and heard, but also to listen with humility. With practical case studies from church communities around England, it offers examples to inspire readers to go further, imagining how they and their churches might witness more richly, as well as put their dreams into action. Designed for churches and small groups to study together, it also includes reflections on the case studies and questions to help readers put their thinking into practice.