Church Of England Could Rethink Stance On LGBT+ Issues By 2022

The Church of England could reverse its opposition to same-sex marriage by as early as 2022 after bishops promised to make a “decision” about issues relating to sexuality.

This self-imposed deadline could end with clergy being permitted to conduct same-sex marriages – or the church could opt to reinforce traditional teaching on marriage, sexuality and gender.

At the time being, the church does not allow same-sex marriage, and does not officially bless same-sex civil marriages. Gay clergy are permitted to be in relationships so long as they are celibate.

LGBT+ rights campaigners say that some parishes are unwelcoming or hostile, and in some cases there has been emotional or spiritual abuse.

As ‘The Guardian’ reports, the bishops’ move came as a three-year mission to examine issues of sexuality and identity proposed further “engagement and learning” by parishes. The church has already experienced years of intense internal discussion and intractable divisions over the issues, and there have been repeated debates and discussions at the church’s ruling body, the General Synod.

The Living in Love and Faith project produced a “suite of learning resources” – including a book, videos, podcasts and a course – aimed at helping church members understand questions about human identity and sexuality, social attitudes and Christian thinking.

Christopher Cocksworth, the bishop of Coventry, who led the project, said the material recognised that some people in the church thought traditional doctrine was “ripe for development”. Asked whether it could lead to a vote at synod on same-sex marriage, he said the resources would “help the church eventually to face that sort of question”.

Jayne Ozanne, a prominent campaigner for LGBT+ rights within the C of E, warned that the outcome of the decision promised by bishops was uncertain, and that further delay for yet more discussion meant more people would face rejection and harm.

“While it’s good to hear that decisions may finally be afoot in two years’ time, we must act now to safeguard LGBT people in our care. We cannot go on acknowledging and apologising for the harm church teaching is causing without recognising the safeguarding responsibilities we have. Too many lives are at risk,” she said.

Julian Henderson, the bishop of Blackburn and president of the conservative Church of England Evangelical Council, said: “While discussions about these issues are always welcome … this is actually about obedience to scripture.”

He added: “To all those in the C of E who are unsettled by suggestions that the church might decide, in the future, to depart from historic orthodoxy … we will uphold what Christians have always believed through history and what the overwhelming majority of Christians globally still believe.”

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