Bishops’ same-sex plans do not need General Synod’s consent

Jan 20, 2023 by

by Francis Martin, Church Times:

THE Bishops’ plans to permit clergy to bless same-sex unions in church will not need the General Synod’s approval next month, it has emerged.

In a letter circulated to the clergy in the diocese of Southwark on Wednesday, the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun wrote: “The Bishops are commending these materials to General Synod for consideration. I am saying this as the Bishops are likely — I hope — to authorise them for use come what may.”

The Church Times understands that there will be a motion for the Synod to vote on, but that the provisions for blessing same-sex unions do not depend on that.

Bishop Chessun was not present at the meeting of the College of Bishops on Tuesday, when the proposals were agreed (News, 18 January), because he is taking part in an ecumenical pilgrimage in Jerusalem.

The Church Times has confirmed that the Bishops believe that their proposals — since they do not involve any change in doctrine — do not require legislative consent by the Synod by means of a two-thirds majority vote by houses.

Read here (£)

 

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