Church of England Synod approves "blessings" on same-sex marriages

The Church of England (CofE) will debate strongly-contested proposals to allow "blessings" on same-sex marriages and civil partnerships in its churches, at a meeting of its ruling body the General Synod this week.

Proposals from Bishops published earlier this month reaffirmed the definition of marriage laid down in scripture but also outlined prayers of blessing on different same-sex relationships.

Evangelicals within the CofE have threatened to walk out of the church in protest if the blessings are backed in the Synod, something the Archbishop has said he is keen to prevent.

The theological battle going on within the CofE has attracted criticism from secular politicans, who are threatening legislative action if the church refuses to mirror society.

Repealing a century-old act of parliament that allows the Church of England to govern itself is understood to be among different measures being discussed by hostile MPs.

Some parliamentarians have also questioned whether the CofE’s refusal to allow same-sex marriage makes it incompatible with its special status as the state church.

Yesterday, the UK Government's special envoy on LGBT rights, Lord Herbert, criticised the CofE, saying: “There is this steadily moving tide, and the Church of England is lagging behind that."

However, he stressed that the state does not have a right to intervene and forcibly change the doctrine of the Church of England, saying a move to do so would be "appalling".

“I think that’s a decision that the Church itself has to take. I don’t think that can be a decision that’s dictated by members of parliament", he told The Telegraph newspaper.

The Greater Love Declaration is a statement by Ministers and Pastoral Workers from across the different Christian Denominations affirming orthodox Christian teaching on marriage, sex and identity.

At present, it is signed by almost 1,500 Ministers and pastoral workers across the UK, and supported by more than 2,300 Christians who do not have a ministerial role.

James Mildred, Director of Communications and Engagement at CARE, has signed the declaration. He describes why it is important in this video.