The decision of the House of Bishops of the Church of England effectively to terminate the Living in Love and Faith process, although anticipated, has occasioned neverthess fear, anxiety, despair, anger, bravado and steely determination in those who campaigned for change.
The Alliance, Holy Trinity Brompton network and Church of England Evangelical Council, aided and abetted by some individuals in senior management and administration of the CofE, doubtless are content with the outcome of the House of Bishops' deliberations. Seeking alternative oversight, withdrawing diocesan share, demanding a new province has paid rich dividends.
The gay community has been sacrificed on the altar of expediency, by the chimera of unity and by recourse to theological and legal advice: the advice being singularly partisan and not reflecting arguments that support continuation of the LLF process. .Justice and equity have been jettisoned to the accompaniment of crocodile tears and wringing of hands.
Should the bishops believe they have made the correct decisions they are in for a shock. Dissent will continue, standalone services of blessing for single sex couples will be held and bishops challenged to invoke disciplinary procedures. Support organisations for dissenting priests will be formed and public awareness grow of the failure of the Church of England to apply the key Christian principle of fully inclusive love.
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