from Religion Media Centre
The Church of England’s parliament, the General Synod, meets in York this weekend with an agenda omitting debates on the issues of same sex blessings and safeguarding scandals which have created headlines in the past year. Instead, members will discuss £1.6 billion three-year national spending plans, clergy pensions, a redress scheme for victims and survivors of church-related abuse, church growth and outreach. The synod papers can be found here .
Bishops asked whether Living in Love and Faith has ‘run into the sand’
At its opening session this evening, bishops will attempt to answer 217 questions on a wide range of topics.
On Gaza, they were asked if they would condemn the unabated killing of civilians, but the Bishop of Gloucester said there will be no further statement beyond calling it a grave sin.
On the MPs’ decision to decriminalise abortion, the Bishop of London said Lords spiritual will address the change.
On the Living in Love and Faith same sex blessing process, bishops were asked if it had “run into the sand”. The Archbishop of York said: “The LLF team and Programme Board will also continue to work on a range of scenarios and associated risks that might arise if no agreement can be reached on the current draft proposals”.
The Times and Telegraph have picked up the question on moves to allow non alcoholic wine and gluten free bread in communion services, currently being reviewed by the Accessible Liturgy Working Group.