The archbishop of Canterbury will not personally bless same-sex civil marriages despite the Church of England’s historic change of position.
Justin Welby said he was “extremely joyful” at proposals to allow clergy to offer God’s blessing to same sex couples who have legally married, but said he would impose a “self-denying ordinance” for the sake of unity in the global Anglican church that he heads.
But, in a divide at the top of the Church of England, Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, said he would personally offer blessings to same-sex couples and strongly suggested he did not believe gay sex was sinful.
The two archbishops were giving details of the recommendation by bishops to end years of painful and bitter debate within the church with a compromise that maintains its formal teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, but permits clergy to bless same-sex civil marriages.
Acknowledging disagreements among the bishops on the issues, they said in a letter to the church: “The differences among you are also present among us … We are partnered, single, celibate, married, divorced, widowed, bereaved; heterosexual, gay, bisexual and same-sex attracted. We have diverse convictions about sexuality and marriage.”
The bishops also apologised to LGBTQ+ people for the pain that the church has caused them. “For the times we have rejected or excluded you, and those you love, we are deeply sorry. The occasions on which you have received a hostile and homophobic response in our churches are shameful, and for this we repent.”
Welby told a press conference at Lambeth Palace that he had pastoral responsibility for the global Anglican church, which was deeply divided on LGBTQ+ issues. Because of that, he said: “I will be extremely joyfully celebratory of these new [prayers of blessing but] will not personally use them in order not to compromise that pastoral care.”
However, Cottrell said: “I completely support and understand Archbishop Justin’s position, but his position is different to mine.”
Asked whether he considered gay sex was a sin, he said: “I believe the great gift of sexual physical intimacy [is] to be cherished, [and] belongs in stable, loving, committed relationships. And therefore I will celebrate the fact that people are living that way and expressing their intimacy that way.”
Welby said there was an overwhelming majority among bishops “for the direction in which we’re going” but added: “I am sure the last word has not been said.”
The bishops’ recommendations, which will be put to the church’’s ruling body, the general synod, next month, “puts the C of E in a new place – a good place”, said Cottrell.
With his voice breaking with emotion, he added: “I’m really pleased it’s changing for my gay friends. And no, it’s not enough for some … But this is the fullest pastoral provision that we can offer at the moment without changing [C of E] legislation, which will take years and years and years.”
The bishops said the prayers of blessing would “not be the same as conducting a marriage in church. They will not alter the C of E’s celebration of holy matrimony, which remains the lifelong union of one man and one woman.”
In the next few months, bishops will review the ban on clergy entering into same-sex marriages, and the requirement for clergy in same-sex relationships to be celibate. Many clergy who have been barred from ministry after marrying same-sex partners are eager to be allowed to return to former roles.
Some MPs have warned the church that they will seek parliamentary intervention to force the C of E to adopt equal marriage in line with the law of the land. Welby said that was a matter for parliament.
