The Five Guiding Principles

The Church of England is fully committed to all orders of ministry being open equally to all, without reference to gender. It also remains committed to ensuring that those who cannot receive the ministry of women priests or bishops are able to flourish.

The Five Guiding Principles set out the basis for this mutual flourishing. Since 2015, all candidates for ordination in the Church of England are required to give their assent to them.

This study resource introduces the Five Guiding Principles and offers a theological commentary on each of them, exploring what it means to live them out in practice.

It aims to support thinking and dialogue about some of the significant challenges that have arisen since the Principles were adopted.