The Church of England (CofE) finds itself in a period of profound crisis, with internal battles, a growing scandal of abuse, and a continuing decline in attendance threatening its future. Father Alex Frost, vicar at St Matthew the Apostle in Burnley, represents a contrasting image of the church: one rooted in action, serving a community marked by severe deprivation. However, his work shines against a backdrop of broader turmoil.
The area surrounding his church is one of the most deprived in the UK, but Frost and his team have built a robust support network for vulnerable locals. This includes running food programmes, addiction support groups, and mental health services. His church provides free lunches, food vouchers, and assists those living on the streets, such as the man Frost helped into temporary housing after purchasing him a new tracksuit. This model of direct care contrasts sharply with the controversies rocking the CofE.
In the same month, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was forced to resign after a report exposed his knowledge of abuse allegations involving evangelical Christian John Smyth. Smyth’s sadistic abuse, which lasted decades and involved more than 100 victims, has added fuel to growing public fury over the church’s mishandling of sexual abuse cases. As a result, hundreds of abuse claims remain unresolved, leaving the CofE grappling with its tarnished image. Public outrage has been compounded by reports indicating that 70-80% of abuse victims were male.
The church’s attempts at compensation, including a £150 million redress scheme for victims, have been met with skepticism. Lawyers, such as Richard Scorer, argue that no tangible details have emerged regarding the scheme’s implementation, leaving victims uncertain about the future. Campaigners also decry a lack of meaningful action, with many citing unfulfilled promises, insincere apologies, and a pervasive culture of cover-up within the hierarchy.
The church’s struggle to address these issues is further exacerbated by internal divisions, particularly over its stance on homosexuality. A schism within the CofE appears increasingly likely as conservative factions, particularly in Africa, reject the church’s growing acceptance of gay relationships. With Anglicanism flourishing in regions like Africa, where Anglican numbers exceed 50 million, the church’s willingness to embrace gay inclusion has led to the alienation of many from the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which represents a significant portion of the Anglican world.
The tension surrounding this issue reflects a broader divide within the CofE, where disagreements between traditionalists, evangelicals, and liberals continue to deepen. Some observers, like Rev. James Nash, believe the only way forward is a “managed split,” given the irreconcilable differences over matters such as gay marriage. The appointment of Welby’s successor will be critical, and while some names have emerged, the church faces a daunting challenge in maintaining unity.
In addition to its internal struggles, the CofE is also experiencing a significant decline in attendance. Weekly churchgoers fell from 1.27 million in 2000 to just 693,000 in 2023. The shortage of ordinands is also alarming: the number of candidates for the priesthood dropped from 591 in 2020 to 370 in 2024. Contributing factors include financial anxiety, with clergy earning an average salary of £29,000, as well as a perceived lack of quality leadership within the church.
The church’s financial stability is also under scrutiny, with critics pointing to its £10.4 billion endowment fund. Despite this wealth, parishes such as Frost’s in Burnley are required to pay hefty sums — in his case, £38,000 — to the central church. Many clergy members claim that the CofE’s funds are being misallocated, with money spent on controversial projects like racial justice and social inclusion programmes, rather than supporting struggling parishes.
Despite these challenges, Frost’s parish in Burnley remains a beacon of hope for many. Beyond the scandals and financial woes, ordinary clergy and congregations continue their daily work in service to the community. At St Matthew the Apostle, Frost and his team run a variety of programmes, including after-school clubs and mental health groups, all of which provide crucial support to the most vulnerable. For those attending the church’s lunch club or “fun church” services, these initiatives are seen as lifelines.
The stark contrast between the CofE’s struggles at the leadership level and the dedicated work of parish clergy like Frost raises an essential question: can the Church of England survive its current crisis? While internal conflicts over abuse, leadership, and theology threaten to tear it apart, the church’s role as a provider of essential community services may yet offer a foundation for renewal.
As Frost reflects on his work, it is clear that for many in Burnley, and across the UK, the Church of England still plays a vital role in helping the most vulnerable. However, whether the institution as a whole can continue in its present form remains uncertain.
Source: The Sunday Times, UK
