Church of England bishops set higher legal bar for same-sex blessing services
CofE bishops have agreed in principle that both bespoke services of blessing and clergy entering same-sex marriages will require full synodical and legislative processes before they can be authorised. Proposals for standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples must now go through a formal Canon B2 process, meaning they need a two-thirds majority in General Synod — rather than the simple majority previously pursued. The change follows legal advice from church lawyers and the Faith and Order Commission, after opponents raised formal objections. With the current Synod in place until 2026, such a majority is considered unlikely.
The conclusions were reached at a recent bishops’ residential meeting but final decisions will be made at their meeting in December. The bishops also said that any move to allow clergy to enter same-sex civil marriages would require new legislation in both Synod and Parliament, each needing only a simple majority. Blessings for same-sex couples within regular services, authorised last year through Prayers of Love and Faith, will continue, having already received Synod approval.
The process has caused deep division, with some evangelicals and traditionalists threatening to break away with their own bishops. However, the bishops’ statement says that no separate structures will be created now, as these are “not necessary.”
Canon John Dunnett, National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council, said the statement “does not in any way indicate that the House has resolved not to progress things further. This therefore leaves many questions unanswered and concerns unresolved – whatever your view of Living in Love and Faith.” Rev Dr Charlie Bell, an LGBTQ+ campaigner, said: “The bishops have not delayed, but killed this. There is not a single mention of LGBTQIA people in this statement. This was supposed to be about us, with us, for us. It is none of those things.” CofE statement here. Church Times report here
Former Hull funeral director admits multiple fraud charges linked to human remains inquiry
A former funeral director in Hull has pleaded guilty to 36 charges of fraud by false representation, after an investigation into human remains found at his premises, including four babies lost in pregnancy. Humberside Police began its inquiry in 2024 and said four of the counts related to “ashes provided to families following loss in pregnancy”. The BBC reports that Robert Bush, 47, admitted 35 offences of fraud by false representation and another of fraudulently running a business, Hull-based Legacy Independent Funeral Directors relating to the sale of funeral plans. He also denied 30 counts of preventing lawful and decent burials and one charge of stealing money from charity collection boxes. In total he faces 67 charges. He was granted bail and will stand trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 5 October 2026.
Oxford student arrested for inciting racial hatred at Palestine demonstration
A student filmed allegedly chanting at a Palestine Coalition demonstration in London “Gaza, Gaza, make us proud, put the Zios in the ground’”, is understood to have been suspended by the University of Oxford. Police say a 20-year old man has been arrested “for inciting racial hatred” and remains in custody. Film of the student has gone viral on social, media, and he has been widely named as Samuel Williams, a Politics, Philosophy and Economics undergraduate at Balliol College. The Union of Jewish Students confirmed that it has been in contact with the university, urging them to “act decisively”. BBC story here
Man injured at Heaton Park synagogue attack released from hospital
Yoni Finlay, the man injured by a gunshot during the attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, has been discharged from hospital after 14 days and seven hours of surgery. He wa s helping to barricade the doors as Jihad Al-Shamie tried to force his way in. Two other men, a security guard and volunteer, remain in hospital, where their condition is described as stable. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is carrying out an investigation. A Jewish social club opposite the Heaton Park synagogue, has been evacuated after a “suspicious substance” was discovered in an envelope. Greater Manchester Police later confirmed the substance was not suspicious, but acknowledged the degree of tension within the Jewish community following the attack. Jewish News reports that the envelope contained a flower which had died and dispersed its seeds.
Bishop of Newcastle joins assisted dying select committee
The Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, has been appointed to a House of Lords select committee set up to take evidence and report back on the assisted dying bill. The 13-member committee will take evidence on the safeguards and procedures in the Bill, from professional bodies, people with professional experience of coroners’ services and ministers. The committee is mandated to report back no later than 7 November, so the Bill can progress to the next stage. The bill would allow people with less than six months to live, to request assistance to end their lives. Bishop Helen-Ann said it was important to give thorough scrutiny to a bill ushering in a profound change in society.
Romanian Orthodox to take over 1000 year old church in Peterborough
A 1,000 year old church in Peterborough is being taken over by the Romanian Orthodox Church, which has built a large and active congregation in the city.The BBC reports that the Church of St Augustine in Oundle Road, Peterborough, requires about £300,000 of repairs including to the roof, and Historic England has said the work is urgent. A spokesperson for Ely diocese said the orthodox church planned to repair and reopen St Augustine’s as a place of worship and for wider community groups and members. The proposals will be referred to the Church Commissioners for a statutory public consultation.
Catholic ‘digital missionaries’ in Brazil attract millions to prayer livestreams
The Guardian reports a growing trend in Brazil for prayer livestreams, including sessions that start at 4am when Catholic friar Gilson da Silva Pupo Azevedo, aged 38, reaches between two and four million viewers per session. The number of Catholics in Brazil has declined from 82.9 per cent 30 years ago, to 56.7 per cent now, and Professor Rodrigo Toniol, from Rio de Janeiro, suggests the church is trying to renew itself through “digital missionaries”, updating rituals in the process. Evangelicals account for 26.9 per cent of the population one of their preachers has an audience of 11 million on YouTube. Another academic suggests the live stream phenomenon builds on a desire to disconnect from a polarised political world outside.
Legal challenge threat against Austria’s proposals to ban headscarves
Muslims in Austria are preparing to launch a legal challenge against proposed legislation that would ban the wearing of headscarves in schools for girls under 14. The proposal is being reviewed in parliament and is expected to be debated at the end of October. A report by Hyphen Online says 93 per cent of Austrian women oppose the move, which they say is causing distress, and a class action is being considered to challenge the proposal if it passes into law. The proposal came from Claudia Plakolm of the conservative People’s Party, who described the headscarf as “a symbol of oppression”. Story is here
