Pro-LGBT clergy within the Church of England have reportedly held standalone services for same-sex blessings, despite the fact they have not been sanctioned.
The House of Bishops recently agreed that a two-thirds majority vote in the three Houses of Synod would be required to allow special prayers in separate services that ‘celebrate and affirm’ same-sex relationships.
Last year, a vote to authorise such blessings was passed but the Bishops have been advised that without following due process, the Church could be open to legal challenge. However, some clergy accused them of “illegitimate” overreach and stated that they will continue to bless same-sex couples.
Doctrine
Writing for the organisation ‘Inclusive Evangelicals’, Canon Simon Butler admitted that he has already used Prayers of Love and Faith in two standalone services and “would welcome further enquiries”.
He claimed the prayers fall within the “bounds of the doctrine and Canons of the Church of England”, and that he can use them for occasions “for which no provision is made”.
Revd Dr Charlie Bączyk-Bell and Canon Giles Fraser also said that they would go against the bishops’ agreement and perform the blessings.
Bączyk-Bell, who is in a homosexual relationship, posted on X: “For the avoidance of doubt, if you are wanting a service of blessing for your marriage to someone of the same sex or gender, I will be delighted to offer it to you. To do so is entirely consistent with canon law, and does not need to be part of a regularly scheduled service.”
Same-sex weddings
Last week, the House of Bishops announced that, in light of legal advice, “both bespoke service and clergy same-sex marriage would need formal synodical and legislative processes to be completed before they could be permitted”.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell explained: “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.”
The decisions are set to be formalised by the House in December, meaning blessings for same-sex marriages will not progress for now, though LGBT activists within the CofE could continue to push for changes to church doctrine in order to force through the changes.
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