One of the largest churches in the Church of England has called the House of Bishops’ proposals to bless couples in same-sex relationships a “disturbing” and “disingenuous” resolution.

In an open letter to the Bishop of London, St Helen’s Bishopsgate expressed their “grave disappointment and concern” at the proposals due to be debated in General Synod next week.

For the Central London church, widely known for its conservative teaching, the Draft Worship Resources are “unbiblical, contrary to the doctrine and teaching of the Church of England” and “entirely inappropriate”.

Headed by the church’s lead pastor, Rev William Taylor, the letter sets out three reasons why the church disagrees with the proposals.

Rev Williams says “pastoral damage” to those who live with same-sex attraction - but choose to live a celibate life - and the fact that the proposals appear to have “bypassed the elected clergy and laity of the General Synod, are amongst their biggest concerns.

The letter also accuses the bishops’ report of being “disingenuous” as they argue that, while the Church of England has not changed it’s doctrine on marriage, is commending “a means by which, in practical terms, the doctrine of marriage may be circumvented and undermined”.

In December 2020, the church announced their relationship with the House of Bishops was in “a state of broken partnership” as they were no longer able to agree with them in matters of sexual identity.

They said they were unable to have a “gospel partnership” until they acted “consistently in accordance with the plain reading and plain teaching of scripture on sex and marriage”.

Now, the church says they will await the results of General Synod before they ask for a conversation about episcopal oversight. 

You can read the letter in full here.