The debate pertaining to the sanctity of marriage has returned to the Church of England General Synod. As this week, they voted over the decision to permit the act of same-sex marriages within the Church of England. This week the Synod decided to vote as to whether the Bishops Report on same-sex marriages should be noted; it was decided in the outcome to vote against in the favour of 100 to 93. The outcome seemed cut and dry until the right Reverend Christopher Coxworth apologised the next day ‘for the mistake last night’ which he said was a moment of distraction and confusion over the voting process. It later came to light that his confusion may not have been in insolation as he may not have been the only person to have made the same mistake.
The Synod is made up of a three-tier system of the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and House of Laity to which there are 467 members. This group have the power to pass what is known as measures and regulates the relationship it has with other churches. Furthermore, it takes into consideration the Canon, the liturgy, religious public interest and the annual budget of the church. Consequently, the voting process has implications across the board for all churches.
A total of 242 people voted in favour of the report 184 against and 6 abstentions – with the majority of Synod members voting on a motion to “take note” of the report. However, the report failed to obtain a simple majority in the House of Clergy.
The House of Bishops voted 43 in favour and 1 against.
The House of Clergy voted 93 in favour and 100 against with 2 abstentions.
The House of Laity voted 106 in favour and 83 against with 4 abstentions.
The issue of sexuality and the sanctity of marriage possess a real and true concern for those who sit on either side of the fence within the Church of England. This gap of those for or against and the idea of same sex- marriage slowly closing as the church dialogue whether or same-sex marriages being permitted and solemnised within the Church.
The theological debate is complex and varied. Consequently, it is necessary for us to unravel the debate and remember marriage is an institution ordained by God for the procreation of children and for this purpose it should be between persons of opposite sex.
Our decision making cannot be merely based on the voting process but must be based on what the Lord is saying.
The Right Reverend David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, speaking on Radio 4 on the subject matter said, ‘We don’t just change doctrine because it is fashionable.”
“It will be painful because divisions, not just in the UK but worldwide, can get very visceral on matters of sexuality but I think we will make progress but I would urge people today to bear with us and to take part in the conversations that we are having to help us to move forward together.”
Let us pray that Godly wisdom will prevail and the church will move forward in the right direction.