The Church of England does not “plan to offer to bless the civil marriages of same-sex couples” (Anglican groups revolt against same-sex blessing plan, 10 April). The proposal from the bishops, as yet incomplete, is that a blessing will be offered to people, not a relationship. Also, reaction against this plan is not by a “small but vocal” group. In the General Synod, the voting of laity was only 52% to 48% in favour; nearly half did not agree with what was being proposed.
Those opposed are not “conservative” or “traditionalist”, but simply Anglicans. It is not they, but the Church of England itself, which believes that marriage is a lifelong and exclusive union of one man and one woman “according to the teaching of our Lord” (Canon B30) – and this teaching was specifically reaffirmed by Synod. This is canon law and, the church being established, is also the law of the land, assented to by parliament.
What many people are struggling with is that some bishops appear to be arguing against the doctrine of the church that they themselves took public oaths to uphold.
Rev Dr Ian Paul
Member of the General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council
