Links or chains ? : how one diocese of the Church of England feels about being established

Notes: The author, a Church of England priest in the diocese of Worcester, was a convert from Methodism. One of the things that has always bothered him is the link between established church and state. He is a convinced disestablishmentarian and has surveyed the diocese of Worcester to discover the state of awareness and commitment to the reality of an established church among clergy and laity. "The main findings were these. It's a classic case of wanting to keep the advantages and do away with the hindrances of establishment. Perhaps more -- to remain a privileged state church, but make sure the church is in the driving seat". "I have to confess that I was a little down hearted at the results. The freeing up of the C of E [Church of England] for its work in partnership with other Churches, which would happen if some, or all, of the links or chains were severed between church and state, seems unlikely to happen in the near future. But there are signs, and my impression is that if the survey were repeated in 5 years time, the proponents of change would have increased among clergy and laity. Things are changing slowly, albeit slowly".

Subjects: Church and state - Church of England; Church of England - Establishment and disestablishment; Church of England - Government; Church of England - Structure