Part 190. LLF. A dam breached?

Yesterday, as if to celebrate my birthday, some parishes of the Church of England held prayers for the first time as part of authorised services to bless individuals in a same-sex marriage. Not you may note to bless the marriage itself and most certainly not to marry the couple.  

The blessing must be an element of an existing authorised service. However, the amendment moved by the Bishop of Oxford at the recent General Synod to permit stand-alone services of blessing of individuals in a same-sex marriage was carried. Guidance from the bishops is awaited as to the format of such services. 

In any event the newstand-alone services will only be for a limited period. Eventually there will have to be two thirds majority in each of the three Houses of General Synod to authorise the services on a permanent basis. Whilst it is probable that the vote in the House of Bishops will achieve the two thirds majority, it is possible the House of Clergy may just short fall of the two thirds requirement.

The real battle will be in the House of Laity where it is by no means certain that there will even be a simple majority in favour. My understanding is that a vote is likely to be after the next round of elections to Synod. The Church of England Evangelical Council and Forward in Faith will doubtless be making arrangements for a concerted push in support of candidates pro status quo.  Where or what is the umbrella organisation in support of candidates favourably disposed to authorising new services and, dare it be said, blessing of same-sex marriages and even same-sex  marriages?