Displaying items by tag: same sex couples

Evangelicals have downplayed the commissioning of 20 “overseers” to provide pastoral support to those opposing same-sex blessings in the Church of England. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) organized this alternative spiritual oversight. Among the commissioned overseers is former Bishop of Willesden, Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, who emphasized their role as senior friends offering advice and prayers, not as substitutes for bishops. The initiative aims to help Evangelicals considering leaving the Church of England to stay. The Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and Rt Revd Henry Scriven both described the move as a supportive structure rather than a significant departure from Church norms. The commissioning liturgy clarified that it was not an ordination or consecration. Overseers were selected through interviews and references, underwent safeguarding checks, and were asked to commit to teaching faithfully and respecting Church discipline. Only two of the 20 overseers are women, reflecting the CEEC's commitment to diverse evangelical traditions. This move follows the General Synod’s vote to allow blessings for same-sex couples, which the CEEC regards as a watershed moment, necessitating a structurally secure space for Evangelical clergy and congregations.

The Church of England has backed proposals to allow prayers of blessing for same sex couples. Its position on gay marriage will not change, and same-sex couples will still be unable to marry in church. The plans, set out by bishops last month, have been criticised both by those who think they go too far and those who think they don’t go far enough: but the motion was passed in all three of synod's 'houses'. Priests will be allowed to bless gay couples, but can opt out: the first blessings could be in the summer. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said the Church was ‘in a better place’ as a result of the vote. However, he and the Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged that ‘deep differences’ remained. The CofE Evangelical Council said it was ‘deeply saddened and profoundly grieved’ by the move. A spokesman said, ‘The Church of England now appears set on a course of action that rejects our historic and biblical understanding of sex and marriage. This seems to us to be a lose-lose position for everyone.’