2017: year of the Church of England split?

Over the past twelve months there have been many statements given and campaigns started by both sides of the divide and a series of shared conversations have been taking place across England as church leaders try to find a way forward on the issue.

The two major dividing points are whether gay priests should be able to marry their same-sex partners and whether priests should be able to conduct weddings of people of the same sex.

The Church’s official stance is that both of these things go against Church teaching.

In February a document written by bishops will be presented which is expected to either explain the reasons for wanting to bring about change or the reasons for keeping the status quo.

Rev Peter Ould, a Church of England priest and commentator of issues of Church and sexuality, is unsure what to expect.

Speaking to Premier, he said: “If you believe the reports that are already in the press, the resolution is going to be status quo – pretty much staying where we are in terms of our doctrine and our practice.

“I’m not sure whether to put much confidence in those reports – let’s wait for the document the bishops produce in February.”

Read here