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.
Have the Prayers of Love and Faith stalled? Not at all
This month’s General Synod will receive an update from the Living in Love and Faith Programme Board, but there will …