WHO’S POPPING THE CORN?

Clergy who deny doctrine may face trial for heresy (Jonathan Petre, The Telegraph, February 15th, 2005)

Clergy who deny the existence of God and other key doctrines could soon face heresy trials in the Church of England.

Proposals to set up tribunals to try doctrinal cases were rejected by the Synod last year but the House of Laity overwhelmingly voted yesterday to reintroduce them.

Members of the House, who were meeting before the full Synod began, criticised liberal clergy for diluting traditional teaching, though one said that they did not propose burning heretics at the stake.

The House of Bishops has independently agreed to reintroduce the proposals, which were defeated by a narrow margin last July after clergy expressed fears that they would be victims of a witchhunt.[...]

Peter LeRoy, of the diocese of Bath and Wells, reminded the laity of the usual definition of an Anglican as someone "who can believe anything they want as long as it is not too strongly".

He said heresy trials were essential to persuade clergy to endorse "sound teaching".

Presumably the liberal clergy’s definition of a witchhunt is being held accountable in any way for their preachings and having them measured against the fundamental tenets of the faith they have sworn to uphold. Who do they think they are, judges?