Part 169: Dither, dither, dither

The House of Bishops has funked it.  It has agreed in principle to commend prayers and readings of blessing for individuals in a same-sex marriage as part of an existing authorised service, but has not  recommended authorisation for new stand-alone services for blessing such individuals.

The Bishops declined to grant authorisation of stand-alone services for an experimental period.

Instead there will be a period of consultation with dioceses leading to a motion for authorisation at a Church of England Synod, probably in November 2025. Such a motion to succeed requires a two thirds majority in each of the three Houses - Clergy, Laity and Bishops. The likelihood is the motion will be not be carried.

In the face of opposition and threats of legal action from Evangelical groups the House of Bishops has funked it. It should not have cowered before the opposition and boldly gone ahead with an experimental period. Shame on them.