Inclusive groups welcome Church of England's historic vote to allow trial of blessings for same-sex couples
The Church of England General Synod logo
AS GENERAL SYNOD, the Church of England's governing body, met for an extraordinary meeting this month, representatives of 18 inclusive Christian organisations have released a statement welcome Synod’s decision to back a trial of special services asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples.
During the three-day meeting at Church House in London, Synod members from the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity engaged in around eight hours of debate on proposals agreed at Synod’s meeting in February to enable clergy and churches who choose to do so to use Prayers Of Love And Faith.
The statement, organised by the General Synod Gender & Sexuality Group, welcomed Synod’s decision as a continuation of
the hopeful direction of travel set by February’s historic vote towards greater inclusion of LGBTQIA+ members of the Church of England.
They also acknowledge that
many of us would wish for much greater steps, much sooner, including equal marriage in church.
and they critique ‘the hostile and negative manner’ of many in debating these proposals, including ‘simplistic use of Scripture and appeal to narrow legal points’.
They call on the House of Bishops to issue new pastoral guidance, as promised at Synod in February, to resolve queries about the status of LGBTQIA+ people who are ordained in training for ordination, and in the discernment process.
During this trial period, the Prayers Of Love And Faith resources are expected to go through a formal process whereby all dioceses will be consulted before they can be permanently authorised for use by those clergy and churches who wish to do so. The statement says:
The fuller discussion of all the issues involved can only be better for the integrity and honesty of the Church in all its diversity.
They conclude by taking inspiration from the concluding speech from the Bishop of London, who is stepping down as Chair of the Church of England’s Living In Love And Faith [LLF] process on identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.
In her speech, Dame Sarah Mullally, said that while her role in leading the LLF process means she is now excluded from other people’s tables, they are not excluded from hers, and that if she were to be found with those shut outside the door, she expected to find Jesus there.
The inclusive groups adds:
We hope to speak for many shut out until now, among whom Jesus is found, and like Bishop Sarah, we look to a table from which none are excluded.
Read the full statement here.
SIgnatories of this statement include representatives of the following organisations:
General Synod Gender & Sexuality Group - the statement’s coordinators
Clergy Consultation
MoSAIC (Movement Supporting Anglicans for an Inclusive Church)
