Archbishop of York urges synod as sexuality talks begin: ‘Help anyone who has been hurt’

Jul 10, 2016 by Jill

by Harry Farley, Christian Today:

The Church of England’s ruling body was urged to “help anyone who has been hurt” as it entered fraught talks over same-sex relationships today.

Controlled “conversations” will be held from Sunday lunchtime until Tuesday in an effort to reconcile deeply opposed factions within the Church’s synod. Before the talks began behind closed doors at York University, around 460 members attended a communion service in York Minister.

The divisions within the Church are bitter and entrenched, with a small group of conservatives refusing to attend the talks because they feel to do so would be to accept some form of compromise was possible.

Even among those who will participate, both liberals and conservatives have said they are nervous and will enter with trepidation. Many are particularly sensitive to any indication of the direction of travel from senior leaders.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologised for the “hurt and pain” inflicted on the LGBT community by the Church. One possibility for the Church is some form of “accommodation” for gay relationships while maintaining its teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, in an effort to “journey together”.

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