The Bishop of Oxford has addressed concerns about the Living in Love and Faith process, describing a letter from the Alliance as “threatening” and “catastrophising.”
It comes in response to an open letter from a coalition of Church of England leaders to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York last week.
In the letter, the Alliance expressed strong opposition to proposed changes on same-sex marriage in the General Synod agenda, accusing the House of Bishops of not adhering to canonical processes.
The changes refer to proposals to introduce stand-alone services where same-sex couples can be blessed, alongside a “delegated episcopal ministry” for those who oppose the changes.
The letter, representing over 2,000 clergy, suggested it would create a "parallel Province" within the Church for those who uphold traditional beliefs if the proposed changes were to go ahead.
Responding to the letter on Tuesday, Dr Steven Croft referred to the proposal of a parallel Province as a “threat of schism” that would “deeply and disproportionately harm the Church of England.”
Bishop Steven argued that the proposed changes did not indicate a departure from Church doctrine and the Alliance’s remarks were “hurtful” to LGBTQIA+ Christians.
“The authorisation of Prayers of Love and Faith (even as stand alone services) simply gives alternative liturgical provision to enable services which could legally happen without PLF.”
Bishop Steven said this change, together with proposals for new pastoral guidance for clergy and the removal of existing restrictions on clergy entering same sex marriage were modest, inclusive steps that build on existing practices, without changing the doctrine of marriage.
The Alliance has also written to the House of Bishops, raising concerns that the views of the Global South on the issue of marriage doctrine have been ignored. Following the creation of a new parallel Province, the Alliance says it intends to open a new pre-ordination stream for potential ordinands, “in partnership with orthodox bishops.” Bishop Stephen has criticised the “unilateral” move as hypocritical, noting that the process would need to be agreed on by the House of Bishops and General Synod.
While acknowledging respect for the signatories’ views on marriage, Bishop Steven concluded that the letter used catastrophising language and was “a deeply unhelpful and misleading contribution to our present debate.”
General Synod will take place from 23rd Feb to 27th February.
