The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has shared its position on the House of Bishop’s draft proposal for same-sex unions in the church.
Under new guidelines, people who are in same-sex marriages or civil partnerships are able to ask for prayers of thanksgiving or dedication at a Church of England place of worship.
While the draft proposals can be amended in General Synod next month, they can't be voted down - something that's being criticised by many.
The prayers are the conclusion of the Living in Love and Faith process which started six years ago with the objective of discerning the church’s position on matters of gender and sexual identity.
John Dunnett, director of strategy and operations CEEC said: “I share the profound dismay expressed by thousands of evangelicals across the country. I’m deeply troubled by the bishops’ proposals, which seem to me to be either contrary to or indicative of a departure from Church of England doctrine.
“I want to reassure evangelicals that the CEEC will be leading and coordinating a robust response as we contend together for faithfulness to biblical teaching within the Church of England, on issues of sex and marriage.”
The main debate on the proposals will take place on 8th February.