Evangelicals upset by Synod vote on same-sex blessings

The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has expressed its “deep disappointment” on the General Synod’s vote to proceed the method towards introducing standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples. 

Monday’s vote also saw the Church of England move closer to removing current restrictions on clergy being in same-sex marriages, with proposals to be dropped at General Synod in February 2025.

Traditionalist Anglicans speaking in the course of the debate warned of a breakdown in trust and the eventual split and decline of the Church of England. They also challenged the contention from the Church of England leadership that the plans don’t amount to a change in doctrine.

The motion was carried by only a narrow margin – bishops 22 for and 12 against; clergy 99 for and 88 against; and laity 95 for and 91 against.

John Dunnett, National Director of the CEEC, said: “Yesterday was a milestone in that standalone services have received General Synod support and a timetable to work towards clergy same sex marriages has been endorsed.

“It is deeply disappointing that despite hearing repeatedly in speeches of the necessity to construct trust by avoiding bad process, and CEEC’s continued advocacy of the insufficiency of delegated arrangements, Synod passed the motion, and the Prayers of Love and Faith bus continues to maneuver forward.”

The Church of England has said that traditionalist Anglican priests is not going to be forced to go against their conscience and that “delegated” oversight will probably be provided.

The CEEC and other traditionalist Anglicans say this is insufficient because the diocesan bishop would need to approve the delegation, and there isn’t any guarantee that such an arrangement wouldn’t be modified in the longer term.

The CEEC said that it can proceed working with the Alliance network of orthodox Anglicans towards structural reorganisation within the likely event that the standalone services come into effect.

Rev Dunnett continued, “The leaders of the Church of England seem intent on leading the church away from the biblical teaching and doctrine passed down through the centuries and shared by tens of millions of Christians within the Anglican Communion today.

“We are committed to remaining inside the Church of England and hope that the bishops will come to the table to barter an appropriate settlement.”

He added, “We dare to wish that even in these difficult times God will grant a revival harvest on this country.”