Part 247. The shambles continues

The paper and proposals for reconciliation of the conflict between the factions, battling for their respective arguments over same-sex love, were stopped in their tracks by the General Synod of the Church of England voting to move on to next business.  The woolly ten commitments, or ideas of possible commitments, are thus deposited in the waste bin. However, an amendment calling for a new structure to protect the dedicated sensibilities of the the fundamentalist brigade was lost. A portent for the future as the Archbishop of the presses on with his fiction of unity within the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.

So, what now?

'A legally secure structural settlement, without theological compromise, is the only way forward, says CEEC’s John Dunnett.

The meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England concluded on Tuesday.

Commenting on the debate on the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process, Revd Canon John Dunnett, National Director, Church of England Evangelical Council, CEEC, said: “The decision taken by General Synod to move to next business [before the end of the debate] is demonstrative of widespread dissatisfaction with how the bishops have been progressing the LLF process. The one thing that Synod could largely agree on was that neither side could support the proposals that would emanate from the motion, as tabled at Synod. We believe that GS2346, as presented at Synod, is riddled with confusion and ambiguity, contains proposals we could never support, and outlines inadequate structural provision.

“Significantly, the move to next business is also evidence that we cannot ‘square the circle’ in the debate, as currently framed. This issue is not adiaphora – we cannot agree to disagree.

“This is why we continue to call for a legal and structural settlement without theological compromise, which we believe is the only way forward. We will gladly work with Bishop Martyn Snow to explore this route further. Between now and July, we will be calling on churches and their leaders to articulate their support for this.

“Many feel that the fabric of the Church of England is tearing as a result of the Living in Love and Faith process and that structural differentiation is the only way of maintaining any degree of unity."'

What will be the architecture of a legally secure structural settlement?  I believe we must wait and see what emerges before commenting.

The proponents of full inclusion also consider the disposal of the motion by General Synod helps their cause as it adds impetus and urgency to giving effect to earlier decisions by Synod relating to stand-alone services of blessing for individuals in same-sex marriages. I am not so sure. At some point there will need to be a change in Canon law that requires two-thirds majorities in all three houses of Synod. Will there be a trade-off? Agree the new structure the price for this being agreement to change Canon law?  

It looks very messy and much may depend on the composition of the General Synod after the 2025 elections. Or will Parliament intervene?