CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Church of England Removes Controversial Document Labeling Homosexuality ‘Especially Dishonorable’ from Clergy Selection
CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: Church of England Removes Controversial Document Labeling Homosexuality ‘Especially Dishonorable’ from Clergy Selection
After 34 years, the Church of England has removed a document that called homosexuality ‘especially dishonorable.’ What does this mean for “LGBTQ+ Christians”?
Hi everyone,
In a historic decision, the Church of England has voted to remove the 1991 document “Issues in Human Sexuality” from its clergy selection and ordination process.
The document, which described same-sex relationships as “especially dishonorable,” has long been criticized as outdated and discriminatory, especially toward “LGBTQ+ Christians”.
The General Synod passed the motion with widespread support from bishops, clergy, and laity. Advocates say the change creates a more inclusive, respectful, and pastorally appropriate path for those considering a call to ministry—while still upholding Church doctrine.
The old document will be replaced with Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy (GPCC) during the transitional phase. Full new pastoral guidance is expected by 2026.
QUESTION: What do you think of this decision by the Church of England?
Here’s a clear summary of the Church of England’s General Synod decision:
✨ What’s Happened
The General Synod has overwhelmingly approved a motion to remove the 1991 document “Issues in Human Sexuality” from its clergy and ordination discernment process
First released in 1991, the document described homosexual relations as “especially dishonorable” and called for abstinence among gay Christians
Though originally intended as teaching guidance, it ended up being used as a mandatory standard in clergy training and ordination
Synod members from across the theological spectrum—bishops, clergy, and laity—spoke in support of removing it, calling it prejudicial, offensive, and contextually inappropriate
The Church of England
🛡️ What Replaces It
In place of the “Issues” document, candidates during this transitional phase will now adhere to the Church’s Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy (GPCC), first enacted in 2003 and updated in 2015
A full set of replacement guidance—including new Pastoral Guidelines, a Code of Practice, and a Bishops’ Statement—is expected to be introduced in 2026
🕊️ Why It Matters
The move signals a clear shift toward greater inclusivity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ clergy community, without altering Church doctrine
Advocates argue this reduces a significant barrier for LGBTQ+ individuals entering ministry, making the discernment process more theologically thoughtful and pastorally sensitive
🧩 Wider Context
The change is distinct from the Living in Love and Faith initiative (LLF) and does not directly affect same-sex blessings or marriages, though it’s seen as part of the continuum toward further inclusion
It follows recent steps like introducing same-sex blessings in 2023, which already sparked internal and global Anglican debate
📝 Bottom Line
The Church of England has largely decommissioned a dated and controversial document from its ordination process. This change does not alter core doctrine, but emphasizes a more inclusive, pastoral culture for discerning clergy, paving the way for updated guidance expected in 2026.
COE Removes Document Labeling HOMOSEXUALITY ‘ESPECIALLY DISHONORABLE’ from Clergy Selection | Christian Breaking News!
COE Removes Document Labeling HOMOSEXUALITY ‘ESPECIALLY DISHONORABLE’ from Clergy Selection | Christian Breaking News!