by James Lewis, Premier
The Archbishop of York has stated he is “deeply pained” over continuing disagreements on human sexuality, while expressing praise at how the Church of England has been “growing younger” and is becoming a “church of missionary disciples”.
Most Rev Stephen Cottrell also used his Presidential Address opening General Synod to say “the work of justice, repentance, repair remains unfinished” in how the Church becomes more diverse, referencing its Racial Justice Commission and transatlantic slavery reparation proposals in Project Spire.
His wide-ranging speech in York on Friday touched on safeguarding, disability inclusion, and the central role of parish ministry.
Archbishop Stephen said discussions around human sexuality had been “without doubt the most contested matter” in the past five years, noting how members “don’t agree on exactly how our welcome to LGBTQI+ siblings should be expressed, nor how clergy in same-sex marriages can minister in our church”, after the Living in Love and Faith process was paused.