Church of England Denies Plans to Drop ‘Church’ from its Name, Calls Reports ‘Nonsense’

The Church of England has dismissed reports that it plans to drop the word “church” from its name, calling such claims “complete nonsense.” The denial comes in response to an independent report by the Centre for Church Planting Theology and Research at Cranmer Hall, Durham, which found that many new initiatives within the church were using alternative descriptors instead of “church.” The report’s author, Rev Will Foulger, raised concerns about the impact of this “new ecclesial language” on the church’s theology.

However, a Church of England spokesperson has clarified that the report’s findings were misinterpreted, stating that the church has no plans to rebrand itself or drop the word “church” from its name. The spokesperson explained that the report was simply observing the varied terminology used by new initiatives, such as youth groups or sport outreaches, which do not always meet in a traditional church building. The church has reassured its members and the public that its name and identity remain unchanged.