from Anglican Futures
Today, the much vaunted ‘King motion’ came before General Synod. The motion, about the compatability of same-sex relationships with christian discipleship, has been discussed at length. The wording was as follows:
That this Synod affirm that there are no fundamental objections to being in a committed, faithful, intimate same-sex relationship, and that such a relationship can be entirely compatible with Christian discipleship”.
Professor Helen King was unwell and could therefore not be in the chamber, so instead the motion was brought by Professor Muriel Robinson. Robinson spoke very clearly. She called the motion “a point of principle” and acknowledged, “a vote on the motion will show our division – but this is a real division – so let’s face it.” There was also no doubt about the type of same-sex relationship she had in mind, “I cannot personally believe in a God, who creates a world where some of us are LGBTQI+ but denies them the opportunity of a full and loving faithful relationship of the type I have been able to have [with her husband]“
Three amendments were tabled.
The first, moved by Dr Jamie Harrison, sought to avoid a divisive end to this quinquennium. Instead he suggested it would allow this synod to give the incoming synod, “a clear guide of where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going.” So, the wording was changed completely in order to summarise the February 2026 statement from the House of Bishops.
This amendment was supported by the House of Bishops but rejected by both the House of Clergy and the House of Laity.