The CofE hasn’t changed its doctrine on marriage. It’s still one man and one woman

Despite what some have suggested, the CofE has not changed its teaching on marriage, says Dr Ian Paul. He explains what has - and hasn’t - happened, and why he’ll keep fighting for church doctrine to remain faithful to Jesus’ teaching

The meeting of General Synod last week has been described as a “watershed moment” by many in the Church of England. Some have even claimed that the Church has changed its doctrine of marriage.

But this is not true.

The Church is established by law, meaning that its regulations, including doctrine, have legal status. They can only be changed by proper process, and its liturgy (the prayers and services it uses) can only be revised with a two-thirds majority in each of the three houses of General Synod (laity, clergy and bishops).

Church doctrine on marriage remains as stated in Canon B30: “a union permanent and lifelong…of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others”.