CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: What’s Going On with Church of England? Moves Closer to Special Church Services to Bless Same-Sex Couples
CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: What’s Going On with Church of England? Moves Closer to Special Church Services to Bless Same-Sex Couples
The archbishop of Canterbury urges traditionalists not to abandon the church over the move
Special church services to bless same-sex couples have moved closer after the Church of England’s ruling council approved a bishops’ request for a 3-year trial beginning in 2025.
The General Synod, gathering in York, voted 216 to 191 in favor of the proposal, which is the latest stage in the Church of England’s lengthy road toward accepting civil marriages for same-sex couples.
Currently, clergy can bless same-sex marriages during regular church services.
Campaigners now hope for special standalone blessing services that will look and feel quite similar to church weddings.
To be legally married, gay couples must still go through a civil ceremony.
Traditionalists warned that the move could lead to individuals who believe marriage can only be between a man and a woman quitting the Church of England.
The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, pleaded for an alliance of traditionalists to stay within the church.
“I cannot imagine the Church of England without the Alliance network, members and friends … That they all flourish in this church, including firmly those in the Alliance, is indispensable to the gospel in this land.”
– Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
The bishops urged that restrictions on prayers of blessing for same-sex couples be removed so that clergy may conduct separate, standalone services.
The move would be accompanied by the provision of “pastoral reassurance,” which would allow clergy and congregations opposing the new arrangements to be monitored by bishops who share their views.
Bishops will also conduct further research on whether LGBTQ+ clergy should be allowed to marry their partners.
They are currently able to form celibate civil partnerships but not civil civil marriages.
“What’s before us is a compromise.
“No parish, no priest has to offer these prayers but once the detail has been worked out – not yet done, we’re still on a journey – standalone service can take place and [for] those who for reasons of conscience and theological conviction cannot support this, delegated and extended episcopal ministry for pastoral care, sacramental care and teaching ministry will be put in place.
“What’s before us isn’t what everyone wants … but it is an Anglican way forward.”
– Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
Ian Paul, who has campaigned against same-sex marriage blessings, said the bishops’ proposal would “destroy trust, divide the church, and lead to greater decline”.
NEWS SOURCE & LINKS:
The Guardian
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