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The Church of England’s General Synod has formally decided to abandon the proposal to hold blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples within its churches. While the Synod agreed to keep the topic under consideration for the future, bishops had already identified theological and legal obstacles that currently prevent the introduction of such ceremonies. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships.
During the Synod discussions, a number of emotional contributions came from LGBTQ+ Christians, highlighting the pain and frustration many feel over the Church’s position. Some warned that liberal members and those from the LGBT community are increasingly disillusioned and choosing to leave the Church. At the same time, church leaders expressed regret for the hurt caused on both sides of the debate, acknowledging that conservatives have also voiced concerns about unclear guidance on traditional teachings related to marriage and sexuality.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell addressed the Synod, acknowledging the collective disappointment: “This is not where I want us to be, nor where I hoped we would be three years ago. And I want to acknowledge that wherever you stand on the debate, I know that many of you are feeling angry and disappointed.” Despite a decade of sustained discussion and previous decisions against supporting same-sex marriage itself, the Church had earlier supported the introduction of church blessings for same-sex couples. However, the current Synod session has effectively ended this process, which reportedly cost £1.6 million. Archbishop Cottrell proposed establishing a working group to continue dialogue around the issue.
Responses from within the Church highlighted the deep divisions and pain caused by the decision. Reverend Charlie Bączyk-Bell, a gay priest and Synod member from London, criticized the handling of the matter: “You have broken my heart. I cannot believe that we are here again, after all this time, with only this to offer.” He described the process as a “facetious charade” and rejected the notion that the hurt experienced by those identifying as LGBTQ+ could be equated with the theological opposition voiced by traditionalists. The Reverend spoke emotionally about the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ members of the Church of England, apologizing for the inability to fully celebrate them.
Although same-sex marriages and independent blessing ceremonies remain off the table, prayers for blessing same-sex couples integrated into ordinary Sunday services have been permitted since 2023. The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) maintains that same-sex blessings are contrary to biblical teaching. Voices from the Synod reminded members that pain has been felt across the spectrum, with conservative members also expressing sorrow over the Church’s uncertain messaging. Lay member Simon Clift from Winchester noted that “all groups need to be recognised,” while Busola Sodeinde, a London lay member, spoke on behalf of Anglicans in the “Global South,” emphasizing feelings of being “wounded” and inadequately consulted, and condemning labeling them as “homophobic” as unjust.
Although the Church of England’s Synod decisions do not directly dictate the actions of Anglican churches worldwide, some international churches have threatened to leave the Anglican Communion over disagreements about blessings for same-sex unions. In contrast, the Scottish Episcopal Church expanded its position in 2017 by legalizing marriage equality for gay couples, and the Anglican Church in Wales permits blessing services despite not allowing same-sex weddings. Despite efforts to set up a working group to continue discussions, some Synod members expressed concern that the breakdown of the blessing ceremonies process is driving many away from the Church.
In closing the debate, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, acknowledged the profound challenges involved in addressing this issue. “It has touched some of our deepest theological views but also the core part of our identity. It has left us wounded as individuals and also as a Church and therefore I am grateful that you still are here,” she said, reflecting on the painful journey the Church has been through in recent years
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