The Church of England’s General Synod has voted not to “take note” of a controversial report on homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
Was really moved by the honesty & bravery on display at the #Synod debate tonight. Thank you. Hope everyone has a cup of tea in hand by now.
— Abi (@abi_brrtt) February 15, 2017
Mindful of so many courageous people at #Synod today fighting and speaking out for a more inclusive church. Thank you.
— Jo Dolby (@jodolby) February 15, 2017
The House of Bishops report called for “fresh tone and culture of welcome and support” for gay people, while its opposition to same-sex marriage remained. It maintained marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and that no same-sex marriage should be blessed within a church.However the report did say clergy were allowed to hold prayers, guide and advise same-sex couples.
More than 400 Church leaders gathered at the Synod at Church Hall on Wednesday, with 242 voting in favour of “taking note” of the report, 184 against and six abstentions.Though for the report to actually be approved and enforced, it would’ve had to have gained a majority in the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and House of Laity.The decision has come as good news to many as they hope the rejection of the report will open up doors to further conversation and motions in making the LGBT community feel welcomed and accepted within the Church.While there was a majority in both the House of Bishops and House of Laity, there were 93 House of Clergy members that voted for the report and 100 against.
I've been quite upset since report was published. Today gives me some hope that more dialogue and loving inclusion is possible #synod
— Sandra TaylorFarrell (@STaylorFarrell) February 15, 2017
Well done @synod The Bishops have a clear mandate to do more work and give us something better to work with! Now pray for and support them.
— Thomas Matthew Sharp (@thomasmsharp) February 15, 2017
A good day to take note of why people didn't take note. Thank you, not just from LGBT+ people but for all who want God's inclusivity?? #Synod
— Fiona Thompson (@FionaThompson16) February 15, 2017
The vote is not a formal rejection of the proposals but the views aired will be used to inform future work by the House of Bishops.
