The Church of England said Wednesday it will continue to refuse to allow same-sex couples to marry in its churches, affirming its teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman.
The decision is part of a slate of proposals developed by bishops in a report for the General Synod, the church’s legislative body, which is set to meet in London on February 6 through February 9 for debate. The continued ban on same-sex marriage, which comes after six years of debate and consultation on the church’s position on sexuality, will not be put to a vote.
“Under the proposals, same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church,” the church’s statement said. “ … The formal teaching of the Church of England as set out in the canons and authorised liturgies — that Holy Matrimony is between one man and one woman for life — would not change.”
Bishops will, however, issue an apology to LGBT people for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have faced. The church said it would issue pastoral guidance to its ministers and congregations urging them to welcome same-sex couples “unreservedly and joyfully.”
The proposals would also allow same-sex couples to “come to church to give thanks for their civil marriage or civil partnership and receive God’s blessing.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, said the six-year consultation reflected “the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage.”
“I am under no illusions that what we are proposing today will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others, but it is my hope that what we have agreed will be received in a spirit of generosity, seeking the common good,” Welby said.
“I hope it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to say to all Christians and especially LGBTQI+ people, that you are welcome and a valued and precious part of the body of Christ,” he added.