APPROVAL for stand-alone services of blessing for same-sex couples and the reconsideration of the rules that bar the clergy from entering into same-sex marriage will be subject to further synodical processes, the House of Bishops has decided.
The House of Bishops made a series of decisions on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process at a residential meeting at the beginning of last week.
The outcome of the meeting was announced on Wednesday afternoon, after details were leaked to the press.
The introduction of stand-alone or “bespoke” services of Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) will now be subject to a process under Canon B2, which requires a two-thirds majority in all three Houses of the General Synod. On the basis of previous votes, this seems likely to forestall their introduction.
The Bishops also decided that there should be no immediate change to the current rules that bar the clergy from being in same-sex civil marriages.
Any change to the rules is now expected to be contingent on the Synod’s, and subsequently Parliament’s, approval of a Measure and an amending Canon, both of which require simple majorities in all three Houses of the Synod, a Church House briefing note to editors says.
An alternative course of action that was discussed, but rejected, and outlined in a recent paper prepared by the House of Bishops’ Faith and Order Commission (FAOC), is what is described as the “relaxation of discipline”.
“In this scenario, diocesan bishops, as a group or by individual discretion, would ordain and (re)license people in same-sex civil marriages despite the tension this would create between doctrine and discipline,” the paper, which has not yet been published, but has been seen by the Church Times, states.
In making their decisions, the Bishops took into consideration new papers from FAOC, as well as advice from the Church’s legal office. This material will be published in due course, a Church House spokesperson said.
The Bishops have also decided against any structural changes to the Church to introduce a form of “delegated episcopal ministry” for parishes opposing further implementation of the LLF process. In the light of the decisions taken on stand-alone services and clergy same-sex marriage, there is “currently no need” for such provision, Wednesday’s statement says.
THE Archbishop of York, who chairs the LLF Programme Board, acknowledged on Wednesday that the decision would be “difficult and disappointing” for some people. “I continue to pray for God’s grace and gentleness for all as we continue to discern a way through these questions,” Archbishop Cottrell said.
The votes taken at the October meeting are not formally binding, but they signify an “agreement in principle” on the issues, a Church House spokesperson has said. The proposals will be brought to the Synod in February.
“Despite personal convictions across traditions, the House of Bishops recognised these were the procedural realities to effect any future change,” the statement says.
“Although there remains a wide range of views within the House on questions of sexuality and relationships, there was strong consensus on the need for unity, transparency and proper process alongside pastoral care.”
Archbishop Cottrell said: “As we continue prayerfully to navigate this important work on behalf of the Church, we believe these are the right decisions following further legal and theological advice.”
