Synod’s sexuality conversations “going to be risky”
By Anthony Bushfield, Premier:
David Porter, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Director of Reconciliation, told the General Synod the discussions to be had at the next meeting in July may not go smoothly.
He said the meetings were “private”, will not be open to the press or the public and social media use will be restricted.
The Church of England launched its shared conversations on sexuality in November 2013 in response to gay marriage and changing public attitudes to LGBTI people.
Conversations on how the Church treats gay people have been taking place across England in advance of July’s Synod session in York.
During the session members will take part in a number of small groups.
There will also be panel discussions on scripture and what it says about LGBTI people.
David Porter, who was involved in the Northern Ireland peace process, told Synod that after the meetings around the country it was clear “some people don’t want to talk”.
He said he had predicted “at least four would implode, so far by the grace of God none of them have”.
“What we’re offering is facilitated space, not mediated space.
“Safe space does not mean that you won’t hear things that you’ll find difficult or even at times offensive.
“It will be a guarded space.”
He added that “it has always got to be an honest conversation” and he urged members to find the “ability to move from campaigning discourse to a compassionate discourse.”
“We may still not agree but we are listening to each other,” he said.
After his presentation David Porter opened the floor to questions.
Read also: Gay rights and same-sex marriage will dominate C of E summer synod by Harriet Sherwood, Guardian
Equal marriage is the next stage in the church’s continual reformation by Giles Fraser, Guardian
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