Reprising the case for disestablishment

Abstract This article presents a fresh case for the disestablishment of the Church of England. It opens by noting recent developments that are putting pressure on the public legitimacy of Anglican establishment. It then defines the current relation of the Church of England to the British state in terms of a distinction between ‘high’ and ‘earthed’ establishment, expressing support for the latter. Seven key components of high establishment are then described, and disestablishment defined as the progressive ending of these components. A theological case for disestablishment is then articulated in terms of two central principles: the ecclesiological principle of the spiritual autonomy of the church, and the political principle of the religious impartiality of the state. The seven features of high establishment are found to breach one or both of these principles. The final section critically assesses four prominent arguments often deployed in defence of establishment, finding them all unpersuasive.