The Church of England will offer church blessings to same-sex couples in civil marriages, in a profound shift in its stance on homosexuality after a historic vote by its governing body.
After an impassioned debate lasting more than eight hours, the C of E’s national assembly, the General Synod, voted by 250 votes to 181 to back a proposal by bishops intended to put an end to years of painful divisions and disagreement over sexuality.
But heartfelt speeches from those advocating full equality for LGBTQ+ Christians and those arguing that traditional biblical teaching on marriage and sex must be upheld signaled that the debate is likely to continue.
Conservatives narrowly succeeded in amending the motion to endorse the church’s doctrine of marriage – that it is between a man and a woman – and stating that blessings should not indicate a departure from doctrine.
As well as endorsing the proposal for blessings, the synod agreed that the church would apologize for the harm it has caused to LGBTQ+ people. It also welcomed a forthcoming review of a ban on clergy entering into same-sex civil marriages and a celibacy rule for clergy in same-sex relationships.
Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, and Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, said they hoped the decision marked a “new beginning” for the C of E, saying: “It has been a long road to get us to this point.”
In a statement, they said: “For the first time, the C of E will publicly, unreservedly, and joyfully welcome same-sex couples in church.
“The church continues to have deep differences on these questions which go to the heart of our human identity. As archbishops, we are committed to respecting the conscience of those for whom this goes too far and to ensure that they have all the reassurances they need in order to maintain the unity of the church as this conversation continues.”
Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, who led the debate, said: “This is a moment of hope for the church. I know that what we have proposed as a way forward does not go nearly far enough for many, but too far for others. It is my prayer that what has been agreed today will represent a step forward for all of us within the church – including LGBTQI+ people.”
Jayne Ozanne, a leading campaigner for LGBT+ equality in the C of E, said the acceptance of blessings for same-sex couples was a “tiny step forward”. She was among 10 members of the synod who abstained on the final vote.
She said: “I am deeply disappointed by the way the conservatives have consistently sought to undermine those of us who sought to move towards a church that could embrace a plurality of views on sexuality.
“By continuing to tell LGBT+ people that they cannot hope to get married anytime soon in their church or that their desire for sexual intimacy is sinful, we send a message to the nation that few will understand. More importantly, it is a message that will continue to cause great harm to the LGBT community and put young LGBT+ lives at risk.”
Nigel Pietroni, the chair of the Campaign for Equal Marriage in the C of E, said the decision “falls short of what we ultimately believe is the only outcome for radical inclusion – equal marriage for all people”, but it was “a small step forward”.
Anglican Orthodox, a conservative group, said the synod had “rejected the authority of the Bible, and the settled mind of the rest of Anglicans worldwide”. Orthodox parish vicars will refuse to hold blessing services “on the grounds of their consciences and ordination vows”.
Paul Eddy, the group’s convener, said bishops had “caved into cultural conformity … The LGBTI+ lobby in the church won’t be satisfied until the whole C of E officially opts in for gay marriage.”
The Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches said the decision raised the question of the archbishop of Canterbury’s “fitness to lead what is still a largely orthodox worldwide communion”.
The synod debate was procedurally complex, with more than two dozen amendments to the bishops’ motion. Some were efforts to delay the plans, arguing that more time was needed to consider the issues despite six years of consultations over sexuality. All but one of the amendments were rejected, sometimes narrowly, or withdrawn.
An amendment that demanded a proposal for marriage equality to be put before the synod within two years was backed by 45% of representatives, with 52% opposing it.
As well as continued internal dissent, the C of E could face legal challenges to its decision. This week six lawyers who sit on the synod warned that clergy could be exposed to the “risk of litigation” that could be “costly, both financially and emotionally”. (SOURCE)
