Conservative Anglicans applaud recognition of Free Church orders

Conservative Anglican leaders have welcomed the Church of England's decision to recognize the validity of the orders of the Free Church of England. The 28 Jan 2013 announcement allows the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to license clergy from the Free Church for service in the Church of England without first re-ordaining them.

The recognition follows three years of contact between the bishops of the Free Church, the Council for Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England. Upon the recommendation of the Faith and Order Commission, the Standing Committee of the House of Bishops endorsed the recommendation leading to this week’s announcement the Archbishops of Canterbury and York had recognized the Free Church orders under the Overseas and Other Clergy (Ministry and Ordination) Measure 1967. The Measure gives the Archbishops authority to determine whether the Orders of any Church are 'recognised and accepted' by the Church of England.

The Times of London reported that women clergy activists denounced the move calling it a step backwards as the calvinistic Free Church does not ordain women to the ministry. Read more