Church of England Tears Itself Apart Over Same Sex Blessings as Five Year Process Ends in Division

Church of England Winds Down Living in Love and Faith Process Amid Deep Divisions Over Same Sex Blessings

The Church of England's General Synod voted to formally end Living in Love and Faith, the five year discernment process on sexuality and same sex relationships, after the House of Bishops concluded that standalone same sex blessing ceremonies cannot proceed without formal canonical authorization.

The motion passed across all three houses. Bishops voted 34 in favor with none against. Clergy voted 109 in favor, 62 against, with 10 abstentions. Laity voted 109 in favor, 70 against, with 9 abstentions.

"This is not where I want us to be, nor where I hoped we would be"

Archbishop Cottrell acknowledged the pain felt by all sides of the debate

The bishops determined that standalone blessing services would suggest a doctrinal shift away from the Church's official teaching that marriage is defined as a lifelong union between a man and a woman. The LLF process had previously led to the approval of Prayers of Love and Faith in February 2023, allowing public prayers for same sex couples during regular services.

Anglican Leaders Warn Same Sex Blessing Push Could Drive Evangelicals From the Church

The debate exposed deep fractures within Anglicanism. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally acknowledged the process "has left us wounded as individuals and also as a Church." Evangelical leaders warned that a "winner takes all" approach on sexuality could drive many evangelicals from the church entirely.

Vicar Vaughan Roberts urged acceptance of "radical differentiation by settlement" to avoid prolonged conflict. Lay member Busola Sodeinde argued that labeling traditionalists as "homophobic" is "gravely unjust," while LGBT advocates expressed pain and hurt over the outcome.

Two new working groups will continue addressing these issues: a Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working Group, and a Pastoral Consultative Group. The bishops outlined three irreconcilable positions within the Church: those convinced same sex relationships are akin to marriage, those who remain uncertain, and those who believe such a step runs counter to Scripture and Christian tradition. No resolution is in sight.

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

Five years of "discernment" and the Church of England still cannot say what Scripture has always said.

Marriage is between a man and a woman. Full stop. This is not a matter of opinion or cultural evolution. It is the Word of God.

The fact that evangelicals are being called "homophobic" for holding the faith that Christians have held for two thousand years tells you everything about where the Church of England is heading. The faithful remnant must stand firm.

TAKE ACTION

Support faithful Anglican congregations standing for biblical marriage through www.TheShepherdsShield.org

Read the full Living in Love and Faith outcome on the Church of England website

Pray for unity among Christians who hold to the biblical definition of marriage

Share this article to raise awareness of the deepening divisions in global Anglicanism