Church At ‘five Minutes Past Midnight’ (Press, 31 December 1979)

In an article published on 31 December 1979, Graham Leonard, the Bishop of Truro, expressed concern over the state of faith within the Church of England (C. of E.). He highlighted that many senior bishops felt compelled to declare their belief in the Gospel, indicating a troubling disconnection within the church's leadership. Despite surveys suggesting a satisfying profession, morale among clergy appeared low, with many priests exhibiting a lack of clear purpose in their roles. Some priests feared retirement, suggesting a broader identity crisis within the clergy. Rev. David Watson, an active evangelist, remarked on the spiritual stagnation in the church, where many felt they were leading a comfortable but inert institution. Discussions among bishops revealed a common sentiment of declining confidence in the Gospel’s transformative power, with many questioning what they truly believed. The article also reflected on the pressures faced by bishops in the face of increasing bureaucracy, citing a lack of resilience in their faith. The controversies surrounding the church's position on issues such as homosexuality further exacerbated these concerns. Leonard pointed out instances where church leaders seemed to compromise on biblical principles for the sake of compassion, questioning their foundational beliefs. This sentiment resonated with several bishops who expressed nostalgia for traditional values such as holiness and faithfulness in the Gospel. The internal critiques of the C. of E. pointed to a broader trend of secularisation, suggesting the church was being influenced more by societal norms than spiritual doctrines. The Bishop of Reading noted this infiltration, which was evident in church governance resembling parliamentary democracy rather than divine guidance. Disappointment with the recent Lambeth Conference was expressed by Edward Norman, who felt the discussions lacked a spiritual focus. Although church leaders acknowledged the church's need to reflect society, they recognised the inherent conflicts between the demands of their spiritual calling and societal expectations. Amidst the challenges, some members of the clergy offered a more optimistic perspective. Peter, Bishop of Lewes, shared a hopeful outlook for the church’s renewal, particularly among the youth, who expressed disillusionment with materialism and a rekindling of interest in spirituality. He suggested that if the church could effectively communicate its vision, it would attract individuals willing to embrace a more profound faith. Michael Green of St Aldates echoed this optimism, noting that when the Gospel is authentically proclaimed, lives are transformed, despite the opposing views from certain theological circles. However, leaders acknowledged the need for the church to embody a substantive and challenging faith rather than offering a diluted, safe version of Christianity. The article concluded with a call for reflection and renewal within the C. of E., as it faced the reality of its struggles while also recognising the potential for significant spiritual revival amidst the faithful.

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