"The centre of Anglicanism has shifted. The Global South is now leading the conversation, not following it."
In this episode of Cross Section, the team cover a range of stories stretching from the future of the global Anglican church to Halloween and how Christians can respond to it.
The team begin with a discussion around Prince Andrew’s relinquishing of his titles, mulling over how ‘voluntary’ that decision was and how you navigate conversations around redemption and forgiveness in the Royal Family. This ties into the continuing conversation around the grooming gang inquiry and how the church can speak into issues around violence against women and girls. They also touch on the story about Graham Linehan’s arrest and non-crime hate incidents.
The conversation pivots into the sporting story that has hit the headlines – fans being banned from the upcoming match in November between Aston Villa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Why were fans banned? The team discuss the ongoing tensions between faith communities and the impact of politics on football.
The longest conversation of the episode is centred on all that is happening in the Anglican church. From GAFCON and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans to questions of whether the Archbishop of Canterbury still serves as the Communion’s centre, the team unpack the theological and cultural forces shaping the church’s identity in a rapidly changing world.
As we are a week out from Halloween, the team close the episode by discussing this cultural moment. Can Christians get involved with parties or trick-or-treating? And do the team drink pumpkin spiced lattes?
This is a full episode that touches on a range of issues. We hope this conversation blesses you and helps you navigate your news feed. Please do get in touch with us at cross.section@eauk.org – we would love to hear from you.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction and episode overview
0:52 – Prince Andrew, scandal and forgiveness
4:27 – Public inquiries and VAWG
8:47 – Graham Linehan and non-crime hate incidents
10:41 – Football bans
15:25 – The Anglican Church split: GAFCON and global unity
24:39 – House of Bishops and same-sex blessings
28:56 – Navigating Halloween as Christians
Further reading:
Light up your town this Halloween – Evangelical Alliance
Major split among Anglican Communion announced
Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with King’ – BBC News
Keir Starmer: We’re working to resolve ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa game
Welby ‘partly to blame’ for GAFCON breakaway, say traditional Anglicans
