Church of England parishes unhappy at liberal teachings on homosexuality have been urged to seek alternative oversight from another bishop if their own diocesan bishop expounds “unbiblical” teaching from the pulpit.

Evangelicals at a conference in Central London were told that the Church of England now consists of two religions, one liberal and pro-gay and the other conservative and strictly biblical.

The Rev Rod Thomas, the chairman of Reform, the conservative evangelical grouping that represents dozens of Anglican congregations, told parishes that they should go ahead and seek alternative oversight, even if the Church of England fails to accommodate this solution through its General Synod.

However, English Anglicans do not want a split in the Church comparable to that in the United States, where two dioceses have voted to leave the Episcopal Church.

Mr Thomas urged conservatives to mobilise to take over the General Synod by making sure that evangelicals stand for election whenever possible.

The Times