A response to the news that the Church of England bishops propose the blessing of same-sex civil marriages from Foley Beach, Chair of the Gafcon Primates Council – (Gafcon is a network of conservative Anglicans.)
“I write to you with a heavy heart as we are hearing of the continued Crisis of Leadership and Faith coming out of the Church of England. Once again, our Western Anglican Provinces continue to ‘go their own way’ on matters of faith and practice without consultation or concern for the majority of Anglicans around the Global Communion. Their actions not only deny holy practice, but reject the authority of Scripture, the teaching of the historic church, and the consensus of the Body of Christ from every tribe, tongue, people and nation alive today.
“The release of the recent statement “Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing of same-sex couples” (Find It Here) is a clear rejection of Lambeth 1998, I:10, and cannot help but ask the question: “What is next?” We continue to find ourselves disillusioned with the incredible audacity of major unilateral decisions (e.g. changing the nature of what it means to be ‘male and female’ in his image (Genesis 1:27) that run counter to ‘the faith once delivered’ (Jude 3).
“What makes this current (and continued) Crisis of Leadership and Faith in the Church of England especially troubling is the clear and willful decision by the bishops to blatantly ignore the global Anglican consensus (as well as many more other Christian traditions) and ‘bless’ in the Name of Christ and the Church what God clearly calls sin. God does not bless sin regardless of the stamp of endorsement by church leaders, clergy, and bishops.”
Full statement here
We’ll do blessings no matter what, says bishop
Christopher Chessun, the progressive Bishop of Southwark suggests bishops will authorize same-sex blessings even if the General synod rejects the bishops’ plan.
“As you know, the Church of England has been engaged in listening and praying respectfully, and with mutual love, in the area of sexuality. You may have seen the media coverage today that emerged following the latest meeting of the College of Bishops about this process, Living in Love and Faith. Please see the Church of England press release issued today.
The proposals, which follow a six-year period of listening, learning and discernment, will offer the fullest pastoral provision without changing the Church’s doctrine of Holy Matrimony. This includes a range of draft prayers known as prayers of love and faith which could be used voluntarily in churches for couples who have marked a significant stage of their relationship such as civil marriage or civil partnership. The Bishops are commending these materials to General Synod for consideration. I am saying this as the Bishops are likely – I hope – to authorise them for use come what may.”
Full statement here