The Church of England synod vote to allow same-sex blessings has left a feeling of uncertainty and unfinished business. Journalist Rosie Dawson discussed the consequences with guests from all sides of the divide.
Exhausted, sad, confused, anxious, and angry – the legacy of the Church of England’s tortuous eight-hour debate on same-sex blessings. The general synod re-stated church doctrine on marriage but allowed same-sex blessings, with bishops promising to produce suggested prayers and pastoral guidance by July. In this Religion Media Centre Briefing, our bewildered panel said there was so much more information they need – on the nature of marriage, the response of the worldwide Anglican communion, what the guidance will say about clergy in same-sex marriages, how to be united in a deeply divided church, and the possibility of alternative parallel structures.
Rosie Dawson hosted this conversation with the Bishop of Lancaster Jill Duff; the Bishop of Reading Olivia Graham; Rev Dr Ian Paul; Rev Dr Charlie Bell; Ed Shaw, co-chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council; Professor Helen King, vice chair of the gender and sexuality group on general synod; Busola Sodeinde, a Church Commissioner; Rev Dr Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, church historian and theologian and acting archdeacon of Liverpool; and Nicola Denyer, lay minister from Newcastle.
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