Opinion Why I still believe the Church of England’s prayers for same-sex couples won’t work
by Sean Doherty, Premier:
The theological rationale published by CofE bishops in support of their proposed prayers to bless same-sex couples contain welcome honesty, says Sean Doherty. But the pastoral guidance is still fatally flawed and pleases neither side, he says.
When the Church of England House of Bishops published their proposals for prayers for couples in same-sex relationships back in January, I shared eight reasons why I thought they wouldn’t work. The first reason I gave was the lack of a theological or biblical basis given for the proposals.
The House has done further work since then and has recently published new supporting documents (GS2328) with the latest version of its proposals, including a “Theological Rationale” (you can read more about what is happening here).
An honest response
The articulation of a theological rationale for the proposals is very welcome. It deserves more consideration than there is time to give it between the publication of the documents on 20 October and the General Synod meeting on 13-15 November. But, having previously called for a theological rationale, it seems only fair that I give an initial response prior. I still don’t think the proposed prayers will achieve what they intend, and I’ll explain why below.
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