To the clergy and people of the Diocese of York
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV)
I have been present over the last few days as the Living in Love and Faith debate has been taking place at General Synod at Church House in London. The debate concluded earlier today with Synod voting to welcome proposals which would enable same-sex couples to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing. In addition, Synod members also voted to lament and repent of the failure of the Church to welcome LGBTQI+ people and for the harm that LGBTQI+ people have experienced – and continue to experience – in churches.
I realise that some in the diocese will welcome this decision by Synod, while others will feel that it does not go far enough. Others will feel that it goes too far. I write to you briefly now, to offer clarity on what has taken place and reassurance where there may be anxiety.
There are three things that I would like to clarify:
First, there is no change to the doctrine of holy matrimony. The draft Prayers of Love and Faith which were circulated to Synod members have not changed what the Church believes about holy matrimony as set out in Canon Law. This was emphasised by the acceptance of an amendment from a member of the General Synod.
Second, the Church will be able to offer the opportunity for couples who have entered into same-sex civil partnerships and civil marriages to have that relationship acknowledged and celebrated, and to receive a blessing within a Service of the Word or Holy Communion.
Third, clergy will be free to choose whether or not they opt to use the forthcoming Prayers of Love and Faith. Furthermore, I am determined that in the Diocese of York no one will ever be disadvantaged by the decisions they make whether to use or not use these prayers. On this you have my assurance, though I realise there is work to be done to provide a framework within which we can minister together with our conscientiously held disagreements. We need to work closely with the whole Church of England on this.
By Synod voting in favour of this motion, work will now continue on refining the draft Prayers of Love and Faith, and pastoral guidance will be produced which will replace Issues in Human Sexuality. There is a strong commitment to working collaboratively on this, ensuring that all voices are represented and heard in both the Prayers and the pastoral guidance. Until the Prayers have been reviewed, commended and issued by the House of Bishops, which won’t be until the pastoral guidance has been issued, they are not yet available for use.
To those who welcome this development, can I remind you that you are not yet at liberty to use these prayers.
To those who are troubled by this development, can I ask for your patience and forbearance as the work is done to ensure that freedom of conscience is properly respected.
Some people have said that the Church of England may split because of this. I pray and give myself to something much harder and much more beautiful: we learn to live with profound difference, respecting the conscientiously held but incompatible views we hold, ensuring that everyone has a place, and showing the world the more excellent way of love.
Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you.
+Stephen Ebor
