Church Of England Scraps Proposal For Same-Sex Blessing Ceremonies
The General Synod formally shut down the “Living in Love and Faith” project which had fostered dialogue about sexuality, gender, relationships, and marriage.
Featured Image: via Getty Images (photo by David Williams)
On Feb. 12, The Church of England’s General Synod voted to end the “Living in Love and Faith” (LLF) project, launched in 2020 to foster dialogue about sexuality, gender, relationships, and marriage. As part of the wind-down, the Synod has also scrapped proposals for stand-alone blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples, citing theological and legal barriers.
The motion was passed by a large majority in the Synod, which legislates church law and is composed of bishops, clergy, and laity.
The move leaves many church members and supportive clergy feeling betrayed, and burdened with unresolved questions about the role of queer faithful within the institution. It’s a turn from the inclusive direction that the Church had moved toward, when it began offering pastoral guidance for LGBTQ couples in 2023.
Dr. Bączyk-Bell, a gay priest and Synod member, responded angrily to the decision, which he called a “facetious charade.”
video: Charlie Bączyk-Bell, a queer Anglican priest, speaks out against Synod decision (via Facebook, Pulpit & Pen)
“Synods, you have broken my heart. I cannot believe that we are here again, after all this time, with only this to offer,” he said, before apologizing to LGBTQ+ church members “for what we continue to put you through.”
“How dare you? And how dare we come again to this place to lament and recognize distress and pain whilst we continue to inflict it on LGBTQIA people. How dare we… we are once again the acceptable sacrifice, the thing that is too difficult to do anything about.” He called out bishops who offered encouragement behind closed doors, but failed to stand up when it mattered. “Do you not love us enough to say so, when others are listening to you?”
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Less than three years ago, the Church of England promoted its pastoral guidance project designed to support ministering to gay couples. It publicized:
“This suite of resources is one of the fruits of the Church of England’s project, Living in Love and Faith. It brings together a variety of liturgical resources in a desire to give thanks and praise to God for the gift of a loving relationship between two people, to mark their commitment to one another, and to pray with and for them. Recognising and celebrating the goods in faithful, committed same-sex relationships and seeking God’s help and blessing in growing in faith, love and holiness, these prayers seek to help couples grow in holiness.”
While same-sex ceremonial blessings are now off the table, public prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and asking for God’s blessing – known as the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) – will still be permitted as part of regular Sunday church services.
To be sure, there will be fallout. It is expected that these happenings will influence upcoming summer Synod elections, when members will be chosen for five-year positions. And there’s the obvious: church members may choose to leave a space where they’re not properly recognized and appreciated.
On Valentine’s Day, The Church of England posted on Facebook: “Churches around the country are waiting to welcome you this Sunday.” A single comment spoke clearly to the current state of affairs: “Not all of us,” the response read, rainbow flag emojis flanking the text.
