Part 223. Church of England: shocking developments

News is filtering out that the senior leadership of the Church of England (the Archbishops) has decided not to proceed for now with the introduction of stand-alone services of blessing for individuals in same-sex marriages, nor to the introduction of new pastoral guidance permitting same-sex clergy to marry and not be celibate. The new guidance would supercede Issues of Human Sexuality.

Instead of implementing the wishes of General Synod priority will be given to securing a settlement with those opposed to change. So, no change until there is a structural differentiation and 'protection' for those opposed to change.  Shades of the women priests brouhaha.

The register to list churches willing to perform the proposed services will not be implemented until a new structure has been determined.

It is a disgrace. The clear decisions of Synod have been kicked into the long grass by the decision of the Archbishops to succumb to the threats of those opposed to change. Potentially years of wrangling lay ahead. General Synods could be a battleground for years. 

Perhaps Parliament should intervene. After all, the Church of England is the established church subject to Parliament.