By Heather Tomlinson2023-02-09T16:02:00
Clergy in the Church of England will be able to host services of blessing and thanksgiving for couples on same-sex relationships, but not marry them. Heather Tomlinson answers your questions
Why do I keep on hearing about Synods?
The Church of England has just held an important General Synod, where recent proposals on same-sex relationships from the bishops were debated. The proposed new prayers for same-sex couples have proved particularly newsworthy and controversial in the lead up to this meeting.
What is a Synod, anyway?
A Synod is a group in a church that decides things. The CofE’s General Synod is a bit like a parliament for the established church. It’s held three times a year, and all the different dioceses (which are like the local councils of the CofE) have to elect both lay people and clergy to attend these meetings. So there are a lot of ordinary Christians who can speak and vote – although it does tend to attract campaigners for change within the church. There are bishops, too.
Why are they arguing about sex again?
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2023-02-27T12:53:00Z By William Taylor
St Helen’s Bishopsgate has become the latest high profile CofE church to announce it is breaking from the House of Bishops over same sex relationships. In a video posted on their social media, Rev William Taylor explained their decision, and what comes next. Read the full transcript below
2023-02-24T14:55:00Z By George Pitcher
The Church should not be an echo chamber, says George Pitcher. Splitting over disagreements about same-sex marriage is not what Jesus modelled
2024-10-22T07:23:00Z By Carlton Turner
Sam Sharpe was a Jamaican Baptist deacon who was hung for inciting a riot in 1831. He played a key role in ending the enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean. This Black History Month, Rev Dr Carlton Turner pays tribute to the faith of a man who sought to bring freedom to his people
2024-10-15T08:53:00Z By Heather Tomlinson
The US-based baker Jack Phillips has been heavily criticised for refusing to make cakes which promote LGBT messages. After a lengthy legal battle, the Colorado Supreme Court has thrown the case out. Heather Tomlinson reports
2024-10-14T09:36:00Z By Tim Wyatt
Russell Brand reportedly asked the evangelist J. John for help in examining his newfound Christian faith. But when a photo emerged of Brand standing alongside Christian leaders, it prompted a huge online backlash from those who feared that serious allegations regarding Brand’s treatment of women were being minimised. Can a Christian desire to welcome all, unintentionally give abusers a free pass?
2024-09-26T13:15:00Z By Heather Tomlinson
Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi manipulated, controlled, and mistreated young people under his spiritual care, a new independent report has stated. Fiona Scolding’s report confirms the findings of previous investigations. It also contains many potential lessons for the wider Church, reports Heather Tomlinson
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