An Anglican Perspective on Integralism: Reflections on the Discipline and Affective Culture of the Church of England

Abstract Theological and legal advice concerning sexual ethics provided to the Church of England in 2025 provides a perspective on the long influence of integralist thought amidst both societal and ecclesial pluralism. The advice distinguishes between formative, reformative and punitive forms of discipline. The argument here examines the interplay of the discipline and affective culture of the Church of England in order to explore a confessional political context, which is milder than that which is hoped for by some Catholic integralists. It engages the work of Kevin Vallier and Joan Lockwood O’Donovan to argue that stability and mildness are compatible with the deployment of ecclesial jurisdictional authority in the form of punitive discipline, authorized by primary legislation and exercised in relation to ordained ministers. Drawing on historical considerations and New Testament thought about fear, love, longsuffering, gentleness, and peace, the argument concludes that mildness is not acquiescence in an inordinate pluralism of doctrine or practice. Sin is framed not only within the church’s jurisdictional authority but also, and decisively, within the church’s evangelical essence, in the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Accordingly, while longsuffering has a limit, the argument urges patience rather than an over-hasty recourse to the courts.