Reverend Chris Wickland, known to many online as The Vexed Vicar, believes the Church of England is drifting away from its historic support for Israel, embracing theological and political positions that he argues have fueled hostility toward the Jewish state and weakened the Church's moral witness.
In a wide-ranging interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert, he discusses replacement theology, Christian Zionism, rising antisemitism in Britain, the Church of England's adoption of the Kairos II document and why he believes Israel remains central to God's prophetic plan.
Looking at the Church's response since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Wickland argues that many church leaders failed to acknowledge Israel's suffering while promoting what he describes as a one-sided narrative.
"When October the 7th happened here in the UK, the silence that came from the church was deafening. They just wouldn't speak up, wouldn't talk about it," he says. He believes that silence damaged the Church's moral witness at a time when clear leadership was needed.
A recurring theme throughout the interview is the influence of replacement theology. Wickland contends that many churches no longer recognize God's continuing covenant with Israel, despite what he sees as the clear teaching of Scripture.
Pointing to Romans and the biblical covenants, he states, "You read Romans chapters nine, ten, 11. It's so clear that God has a place for Israel... Israel becomes the very central pivot stone, if you like, around which everything revolves. And if you don't get Israel, you don't get anything."
The conversation also explores why the term "Christian Zionist" has become controversial in Britain. Rather than distancing himself from the label, Wickland embraces it, saying, "Christian Zionism is a dirty word here in the UK, but we just wear it as a badge of honor because it's true.
We believe biblically that the Jews have a right to determine their own state and their own homeland, which is in the land of Israel." He argues that supporting Israel's right to exist should not be treated differently from supporting any other nation's right to self-determination.
Addressing the Church of England's broader direction, Wickland argues that biblical authority has increasingly been replaced by cultural and political pressures.
Summing up his criticism, he remarks, "The trouble is with the Church of England, they only believe what they read. Sorry. They only read what they believe. They don't believe what they read."
The interview concludes on a more personal note. While acknowledging growing fears within Britain's Jewish community, Wickland insists that many Christians continue to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.
Click below to listen to the full interview.
