That's why a lot of CE guys over here in the UK are too overly suspicious of his theology, and can't see the good insights he has... because they can't see past the way he blocks the gospel by his actions, they assume he's denying hte gospel by his words.

I say that as a Conservative Evangelical who is really appreciative of much of Wright's work. He is a genius.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you "Yanks" are sitting over there and telling us what to do.

I guess I was just pointing out that guys over here aren't that much concerned with what TW does or doesn't say about developing political situations globally! I suppose that's partly because the British Evangelical scene needs to take the political and ethical implications of the gospel more seriously (though we're seeing glimmering hopes in that direction). But much of it is because of the experience guys in Durham have had of Tom Wright's ministry up close.

John's tests for Christian faithfulness are threefold: doctrinal, ethical and fellowship(ical?). I absolutely share your passion for the wonderful and startling insights Bishop Wright has made. And he seems like a godly guy. But his failure to support Evangelicals he's ruling over is felt very keenly.

Having said that even his theology is troublesome for the gospel at the moment. I've had some hairy moments in my selection for ordination simply because I believe in male headship at church. Wright isn't coming down on the right side of issues when it matters I'm afraid.

Obviously the situation with Wright is quite complicated. It doesn't help that the Evangelical world demonised him somewhat. It's funny how our constituency has a tendency to just filter people into "goodies", and "baddies". Unfortunately, that's now happening with the "Federal Vision" over here too... and it looks like it's falling into the "baddies" side of things.

It would help a lot, actually, if people like Doug made clear the distinctions between himself and Wright. I listened to Doug's trial the other day. I was impressed with how godly he is, and thought it was really exonerating. However, I knew immediately that what he said about Wright would be heard badly over here - and would not play in his favour.

While the Conservative evans are wrong to demonise Wright, he is a very complicated character, and gospel progress has been held back under him (I'm talking about things like godly guys not being accepted into Anglican ministry). Thanks for the offer of prayer.