In June 2025, Law & Religion UK was the first to break the news of the ordination of seven Anglican deacons by the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa to serve as “missionary clergy” in the Church of England. In this guest post, Andrew Atherstone provides the latest instalment in the development of these ‘alternative structures’.

Introduction

Ahead of Archbishop Sarah Mullally’s first General Synod as president, in February 2026, the House of Bishops announced its intention to draw a line under the Living in Love and Faith project which had generated seven years of intense Anglican angst, heated debates, and fractured relationships. But the ecclesial shocks to the Church of England continue to reverberate and the fault lines still grow deeper. Anglican strategists, across the theological spectrum, continue to put new ‘facts on the ground’ in their efforts to change the church.

The latest strategic move by progressive Anglicans, who hope to reform the Church of England’s doctrine and liturgical practice, is the Private Member’s Motion of Professor Helen King (vice-chair of Together for the Church of England) due to be considered by General Synod in July 2026. At the same time, conservative Anglicans who hope to reform the Church of England’s institutional structures have not been idle. They also continue to move their strategy forward and to stretch the ecclesial boundaries. Continue reading →