Bishops within the Church of England have decided not to maneuver ahead with a trial of standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples.
They have also decided that the present ban on priests marrying same-sex partners will remain in place for now.
The House of Bishops reached its decisions at a gathering last week that reviewed theological and legal advice referring to the February 2023 vote within the General Synod to allow same-sex blessings.
Since that point, same-sex blessings have been introduced as part of standard church services despite strong opposition from evangelicals.
The query before the House of Bishops was whether ‘bespoke’ standalone services of blessing could possibly be made available to same-sex couples, and whether clergy could legally enter into same-sex marriages.
Legal advice considered by the bishops has determined that introducing standalone services would require two thirds majorities within the three houses of Synod at final approval, while laws allowing clergy to marry same-sex partners would require easy majorities.
Although final decisions can be taken by the bishops in December, they’ve “agreed in principle that each bespoke service and clergy same-sex marriage would wish formal synodical and legislative processes to be accomplished before they could possibly be permitted”.
“Although there stays a wide selection of views inside the House on questions of sexuality and relationships, there was strong consensus on the necessity for unity, transparency and proper process alongside pastoral care,” the Church of England said.
“Despite personal convictions across traditions, the House of Bishops recognised these were the procedural realities to effect any future change.”
At their December meeting, bishops will “explore what formal legislative process – equivalent to an amending canon and measure – can be required before clergy could possibly be permitted to be in a same sex civil marriage”.
“Until then the present guidelines would remain in place,” the Church of England said.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, chair of the Living in Love and Faith Programme Board, said: “As we proceed prayerfully to navigate this necessary work on behalf of the Church, we consider these are the correct decisions following further legal and theological advice.
“However, we recognise that for some, they can be difficult and disappointing.
“I proceed to hope for God’s grace and gentleness for all as we proceed to discern a way through these questions.”
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