The decision of the Church of England's House of Bishops effectively to kill the Living in Love and Faith process has caused gloom, despair, despondency, anger, rage, fury, sadness amongst the clerical and lay Anglican LGBTQ+ community, whilst the supporters of The Alliance and the Church of England Evangelical Council are rubbing their hands with glee. Sadly bullying tactics: withholding money, threatening schism have paid off. The bishops have funked it and are hiding behind as yet unpublished advice setting out theological and legal impediments to standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples and provision for clergy to marry same-sex partners.
There are those whose argue that standalone services are permitted within the existing framework (see earlier post).
The bishops claim to be seeking unity but, having caved in to forces that have acted schismatically, have now deeply upset another constituency. Unity is not achievable and in pursuing the myth that it is bishops have lost respect and trust. The only hope has to be that the House of Bishops will reflect on the appalling damage that has been wrought and have a change of heart before the next General Synod. But don't count on it.
One consequence of the House of Bishop's statement has been to fire up organisations like Inclusive Church and Together for the Church of England to counter the malign influence of the Church of England Evangelical Council and The Alliance.
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