Living in Love and Faith discussions to continue ahead of next General Synod

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

A group drawing from different traditions across the Church of England is to meet ahead of the General Synod in November to discuss next steps in the Living in Love and Faith process.

They will meet in September to discuss pastoral guidance being newly drafted after the February Synod backed plans to introduce same-sex blessings.

The 'Prayers of Love and Faith' have divided opinion in the Church and fuelled tensions in the wider Anglican Communion. 

The November General Synod will consider proposals around the implementation of the Prayers of Love and Faith. 

The discussion group has been created by the Co-Chairs of the Living in Love and Faith Steering Group, Bishop Sarah Mullally and Bishop Philip Mounstephen. 

Members of the group, who have not yet been made public, will receive an update on progress with the pastoral guidance, and have the opportunity to provide their insights and reflections.

The Church of England said that the discussions would feed into meetings of the College and House of Bishops to be held in the autumn.

"The House and the College of Bishops have a real desire to create a loving, generous, ecclesial and pastoral space, despite deeply held differences of opinion, in which we can share our ministry and implement the motion agreed by the Synod in February," said Bishop Mullally.

"There is a desire to joyfully offer a pastoral response to loving, faithful and long-term same sex relationships. There is at the same time no intention of changing the doctrine of marriage as expressed in the canons and the authorised liturgy of the Church of England.

"Holding these commitments together is at times painful and complex. As part of this we are seeking to listen to people's hopes and concerns and to ensure that they are satisfied that their views have been taken into consideration."

News
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz

A brass plaque has been laid in honour of a Church of Scotland school matron who died in Auschwitz during the Second World War.

Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism
Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — named after the Jordan River and ruled by pro-Western King Abdullah II — is organizing a major global celebration marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s baptism.

Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion
Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion

The benefits cap may have been a factor in some women's decisions to have an abortion.

Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits
Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits

A report by the European Centre for Law and Justice documents the continuing difficulties faced by Turkey’s Christian minority.