It is with deep regret that we must confirm that the Rev’d Brett Murphy is no longer the Presbyter-in-Charge at Emmanuel Free Church of England in Morecambe. This follows due process and an appeal.
We pay tribute to the positive things that have been achieved in the year in which he has held the post. There is an embryonic congregation and the buildings have been much improved following their closure during Covid. The Community Pantry and Community Café have been positive ways to link with the local community.
It is inappropriate to give details behind Mr Murphy’s leaving and the Free Church of England will not engage in correcting the misinformation and prejudice that has been on Social Media: we understand that affections can run deep and passions run high and that people need to react rather than respond to developments they do not welcome.
We are disappointed that those who have been detractors in the past – whose truth is based on perception rather than fact – have used this as an occasion to renew their criticisms of the Free Church of England in general and of the Bishop Primus, the Rt Rev’d Dr John Fenwick, in particular. For clarity, Dr Fenwick had no part in the Disciplinary Meeting or the Appeal. The meeting of the Northern Clergy on the 3rd October 2024 affirmed their full support for their Bishop and all received Communion from him: this support was reaffirmed at the Northern Diocesan Synod, meeting on the 19thOctober 2024. The meeting of the General Council of the Free Church of England meeting on the 8th October 2024 also affirmed and minuted its confidence in and support for Bishop Fenwick.
Suffice it to say that the Free Church of England stands firm on the doctrines and practices that remain unchanged within the Reformed Episcopal movement. It maintains that the ordained ministry is open to men only and that human relationships are expressed in the mutually exclusive relationship between a man and a woman in marriage in a partnership that is open to the possibility of procreation. However, the Declaration of Principles (the historic governing statement of the Free Church of England) states, ‘This Church will maintain communion with all Christian Churches, and will set forward, so far as in it lieth, quietness, peace and love, among all Christian people.’ We therefore hope that we will maintain positive relations with all Christian people and, where we disagree, to do so respectfully.
We expect that all clergy will conduct themselves with a dignity appropriate to their office, with respect for their Bishop, to lead their people to worship God, to teach the Scriptures, to pray and to show God’s love for all.