Transgender Baptisms, Gay Marriage And George Bell: Your Guide To Next Week’s General Synod

Feb 7, 2017 by Jill

by Harry Farley, Christian Today:

Transgender transition ceremonies, gambling, gay marriage and the Reformation are all on the agenda for the Church of England’s forthcoming General Synod next week.

The headline act will undoubtedly be a report on sexuality, which refuses to change the Church’s teaching or practice in relation to same sex marriage.

After more than two years of internal talks throughout the CofE over accommodation for gay couples, the Church’s lead bishops have said there “are no proposals” to change teaching that marriage is exclusively between one man and one woman. But they called for “maximum freedom” with the existing laws and said there needed to be “a fresh tone and culture of welcome and support for lesbian and gay people”.

Two and a half hours of “group work” on Wednesday afternoon will come before a “take note” debate where warring factions will take to the floor to voice their frustrations, concerns and praise at the bishops’ decisions.

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