Can we find a way forward for LLF together?
by Andrew Goddard, Psephizo:
In this article, I offer a summary of what happened at General Synod in February and its procedural consequences.
I then look at the recently announced structures for taking LLF/PLF forward and set them out in the context of the past structures and a review of the past motions of General Synod.
This review shows that taking these motions as the basis going forward is not particularly helpful since:
- they have either been implemented or in part already been ignored;
- there is no Synodical decision as to what the Guidance should say concerning the pattern of life of clergy; and
- it is recognised that both law and doctrine severely constrain possible further changes in relation to standalone services and presenting different guidance for clergy.
Faced with this, I then offer a set of statements which might begin to help us find a way forward together, arising in part out of conversations with various people holding a range of views. These seek to set out (in a way that people of different perspectives might be able to agree with or disagree with and propose changes to) an account that
a. acknowledges honestly our differences and where we now find ourselves in the LLF/PLF process and
b. finds some degree of agreement in relation to principles which might guide how we now address the central divisive questions we currently face in terms of standalone services, pastoral guidance, and structural provision.
What happened at General Synod?
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
