CAPTION: The General Synod of the Church of England held a two day debate about the bishops' proposals
Bishops’ Response to General Synod Vote to Welcome Prayers of Love and Faith
The Bishops of Exeter, Crediton and Plymouth have issued the following joint statement in response to the Church of England General Synod’s vote to welcome proposals which will enable same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing:
“We are grateful to the members of General Synod for the thoroughness with which they have considered the bishops’ proposals emerging from the Living in Love and Faith project.
“The proposals welcomed by the Synod uphold the doctrine of Holy Matrimony unchanged, but also offer a suite of prayers entitled ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ that clergy may choose to use according to pastoral need, including with same sex couples following their civil marriage or civil partnership who wish to dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing.
“The resources are designed with a breadth of options and no one will be obliged to act against their conscience.
It has been a landmark debate over two days, with Christians of differing views seeking a way forward with grace and courtesy. We recognise that the decision of Synod will have been welcomed by some but will be a concern for others.
“As bishops, we hold different views ourselves, but hold together in our commitment to each other and to the people of this Diocese.
“Going forward, we pray that the process shaping the new pastoral guidance will be marked by the same mutual respect and reliance on the Holy Spirit that has enabled us to walk together.
“We want to assure churches and clergy of our ongoing prayers and pastoral care as we seek to demonstrate Christ’s love and hope in our world.
“Please join us in praying for our Diocese and for the Church of England.”
Read more about the proposals and General Synod vote here.
The Diocese of Exeter’s nine General Synod representatives, who took part in the Living in Love and Faith debate and vote, hold a range of different views regarding the bishops’ proposals.
Simon Friend, the Diocese of Exeter’s Convenor, said that, in his opinion: “Behind the scenes there was a lot of support and respect for each other amongst us as reps with different perspectives.
“Sometimes debates can be fractious but this debate was marked by a deep graciousness and genuine concern for each other.
“I pray that we can live that out in our parishes and mission communities.”
Watch the General Synod debate here.