Supporting The Society. 

Renewing the Church in the Historic Faith.

Forward in Faith was founded in November 1992, following the General Synod’s approval of the legislation permitting the ordination of women to the priesthood. Its first National Assembly, which adopted a constitution for the organization, was held in 1994. 

Forward in Faith is the membership organization which supports and finances the work of The Society under the patronage of S. Wilfrid and S. Hilda.

Forward in Faith also supports the work of the Catholic Group in General Synod and encourages participation in the synodical structures of the Church of England, through the work of its Elections Officer.

Forward in Faith has branches in most Church of England dioceses. Its structure also includes Forward in Faith – Scotland and Credo Cymru – Forward in Faith Wales. 

Forward in Faith is a democratically-structured organization, with a National Assembly that meets annually. The Assembly elects the Chairman of Forward in Faith, the Vice-Chairmen, and a policy-making Council.

Forward in Faith is a registered charity (no. 1057246). It is governed by an Executive Committee, who are the Trustees of the Charity.

The Forward in Faith offices are at 2A The Cloisters, Gordon Square, London WC1H 0AG. The Eucharist is celebrated in the English Chapel of the Church of Christ the King in Gordon Square each weekday at 12.30 pm

What we believe

• We are committed to the catholic faith as the Church of England received it, and to proclaiming it afresh in this generation.
• We uphold catholic order and the catholic doctrine of the Sacraments, and in particular the threefold ministry in historic succession, which the Church of England shares with the Church throughout the world and across the ages.
• We long for the visible unity of Christ’s Church, and especially for communion between the Church of England and the rest of the Western Church.

For these reasons, we are unable in conscience to accept the ordination of women as priests and bishops.

What we do
Forward in Faith teaches the catholic faith and the catholic doctrine of the Sacraments.

Forward in Faith is the membership organization which supports and finances the work of The Society under the patronage of S. Wilfrid and S. Hilda. The Society provides ministry, sacraments and oversight which we can receive with confidence, so that we can flourish within the Church of England and make our contribution to its life and mission.

Forward in Faith advises and supports parishes that have passed a resolution under the House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests.