NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is suprise…surprise and fear…fear and surprise…. Our two weapons are fear and surprise…and ruthless efficiency…. Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency…and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope…. Our *four*…no… *Amongst* our weapons…. Amongst our weaponry…are such elements as fear, surprise….

Couldn’t resist a little bit of Monty Python, considering that the lay General Synod representatives voted through a measure for Heresy Trials at the recent General Synod as reported by The Times and the Telegraph last week. In order to prepare for the prospect, the BBC provides a handy summary of ten points of Church doctrine of which you may or may not be aware.

The debate in the comments following the list is interesting reading, specifically over whether or not Church of England priests have to follow the 39 articles to the letter. The point being that in amongst the articles are points that trip up all parts of the Church to some extent, as the BBC article makes clear.

The simple percentages listed in the the Telegraph offer the prospect of a busy time for the trials if they are brought in… If you want to explore the figures further, the original article, plus a large amount of other relevant material is referenced on the Study on Doctrinal Diversity page at the Sea of Faith Network website.