CofE bishops commend prayers blessing same sex couples

Oct 10, 2023 by Jill

from Religion Media Centre:

The Church of England’s House of Bishops has agreed in principle that prayers asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples – known as Prayers of Love and Faith – should be commended for use when they are presented to the next meeting of the general synod from 13-15 November.

The bishops also concluded that structures for special services for same-sex couples, based on Prayers of Love and Faith, should go forward to be formally authorised under canon law.

But the proposals will take two years to go through, involving consultation with every diocese and will require final approval by General Synod. Draft pastoral guidance for those who disagree will also come to next month’s meeting of Synod.

The proposals are fiercely contested but the bishops say they are trying to remain together as one church, “finding ways to live well with our different perspectives and convictions”.

See also: Prayers of Love and Faith: Bishops agree next steps to bring to Synod. Church of England Media