CofE bishops ‘openly commending’ unscriptural prayers

Dismay, anger and outrage from across the Church of England evangelical spectrum are greeting fresh proposals by bishops in relation to sexuality.

A majority of the C of E’s House of Bishops says it will commend its divisive ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ for use with same-sex couples ‘in public worship’ such as Sunday services – while 11 have publicly dissented.

A Church of England statement acknowledges that the use of a process known as ‘Canon B2’ is in fact required for ‘standalone services’ (for example, akin to a Saturday wedding) involving the prayers. This procedure requires a two-thirds vote of support in each of Synod’s three ‘houses’ – Bishops, Clergy and Laity. This vote is not expected until 2025, and it is currently believed that such levels of support are not present.