Church leaders overwhelming vote to abandon ‘blessing’ options for same-sex duos

The elected leaders who set policy and practice for the Church of England have reversed themselves, now voting overwhelming to abandon their “Living in Love and Faith” scheme, in which recognition ceremonies were optional for same-sex duos.

According to a report at the Christian Institute, the Church of England’s General Synod voted 252 to 132, with 21 abstentions, to abandon the practice, a move which will preclude formal proposals for marriage ceremonies for those choosing alternative lifestyles.

The scheme was adopted in 2017 and “aimed to respond to ‘changing views in our society towards identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage’,” the report said.

But its result was anything but positive, creating “enormous division in the church, with many evangelicals viewing the push for prayers, blessings and even ‘weddings’ for same-sex couples as an abandonment of the Scriptures.”

Even so, the church tried to make things work, setting up “working groups” to look at “civil marriages” for clergy to use, and “standalone” services for same-sex duo weddings.

“I know many of us would rather not be talking about LLF. I know many of you are feeling hurt, angry, confused, perhaps bitterly disappointed about where we are. And one thing we all know is that we remain divided over these issues, and I am deeply sorry for that, but what I do rejoice in is that we continue to hold on to one another,” explained Archbishop Stephen Cottrell.

The ruling church body pointed out the number of people on the church’s roll plunged almost 20% from 2019, shortly after LFF was adopted, until 2025.

Rev. Ian Paul, a member of the voting bloc, said the church has “squandered time and goodwill on divisive and damaging debates. … In some dioceses, we are seeing young people come to faith, and new churches being planted and grafted – real signs of growth. But elsewhere there is serious decline.”

A report at Church Times said the Church of England still faces a serious divide on the issue.

The Archbishop of York explained, in a presentation joined by other church leaders, that the process, which he described as “imperfect” and “untidy,” was ending.

Cottrell explained there would be a review on “how these conversations will continue.”

He said the House of Bishops spent considerable time discussing various proposals, but none of them had been given enough time.

“When we came in 2023, even though we came with great unanimity, I think it very quickly became clear that actually we had different understandings of what we were bringing, and perhaps weren’t honest with ourselves about the fact that we weren’t united — that has become clear. It’s been a sober thing to learn, but perhaps it’s better and more honest for us to say.”