Evangelical Alliance membership comprises approximately 1/3 Anglican to 2/3 Non-Anglican and needless to say embraces a considerable spectrum of views regarding the debate in question. The Alliance and the Commission recognised that not only was such a debate on Faith and Nation necessary and timely, but also potentially divisive in view of its far-reaching implications and controversial nature. The subject has tended frequently to be characterised by diverse entrenched positions and vested interests, which nevertheless cross denominational boundaries. Some Anglicans, for example, are keen proponents of disestablishment, whilst certain leaders of the Free Churches are equally keen to retain an established National Church. A Roman Catholic theologian and the Chief Rabbi, for example, have argued strongly the case for maintaining the establishment of the Church of England. It was important, therefore, for the Alliance to take account of wide representative opinion in helping it to shape its own thinking, even though it was appreciated that reaching consensus might prove extremely difficult in practice, or at least be achieved only at the expense of actually saying anything radical, challenging or sufficiently definitive. It was also vital to encourage a climate in which inevitable awkward questions might be fully addressed and real underlying issues not ducked. Accordingly, it was decided to set up a high profile Commission of Inquiry to operate somewhat in the manner of a Royal Commission, with Chairmanship and Commission membership as far as practically possible incorporating relevant expertise and reflecting wide representation. Submissions would be invited from interested parties that would be examined and debated. Conclusions and recommendations would be presented. It was intended that the best quality material would be published as the Commission proceeded with its work. Much attention was therefore given in approaching the task of composing an effective working Commission to seeking to gather together a sufficiently expert, wide-ranging, representative, but at the same time manageable membership, under the respected Chairmanship of Donald Shell, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics at the University of Bristol. A secretariat was contributed by the Evangelical Alliance Heads of Public Affairs and Theology. Accordingly, various relevant criteria were established in an endeavour to create a credible Commission which comprised some 20 members plus consultants, who have played diverse roles, including varying degrees of involvement on a voluntary basis within the overall Inquiry. Commitment was necessarily limited by time availability. However, we remain in the significant debt of all those who have contributed their time and expertise in helping to advise, revise and inform the Commission in its work.
1.5.1 Selection of Commission Members
In an endeavour to form a representative and expert Commission the Alliance approached a large number of individuals and organisations, many of whom were unable to participate owing to unavailability. Many of those who could not be part of the Commission offered to submit contributions. Selection of members was made on the basis of criteria that include such characteristics as nationality, ecclesiastical or theological tradition, ethnicity, gender, business and commercial background, youth, politics, etc.
See Appendix 1 for details of contributing Commission members.
1.5.2 Formation of Sub-Groups
With regard to the Inquiry process, in engaging with often complex and wide-ranging submissions, it was decided to break down the Commission’s work into three major areas represented by sub-groups of the Commission. The sub-groups pursued their work under separate chairs, with the Commission Chairman supervising the overall plan of study. Inevitably, the work of the sub-groups tended to overlap from time to time. Specific sessions for the examination of oral contributors were conducted on the basis of the sub-groups. The outline remits of the sub-groups were as follows:
1.5.2.1 Theological Sub-Group
To engage in a detailed critique and evaluation of theological and ecclesiological models with a view to producing recommendations including practical implications to place before the Evangelical constituency. To include theological examination of the concept, meaning and validity of establishment in our contemporary, pluralist context.
1.5.2.2 Socio-Political Sub-Group
Essentially to engage in sociological/cultural/theological investigation into the future place of faith in society in the context of increasingly secularising/privatising trends.
1.5.2.3 Constitutional Sub-Group
To engage in historical, ecclesiological, and theological study, including reference to experience elsewhere. To investigate the relevance of Christendom versus separationist paradigms in the contemporary world. To question how faith could best make itself heard in the public arena, both practically and constitutionally.
