A few Church of England vicars have said they will defy the advice of the House of Bishops by offering separate same-sex blessing services, despite official guidance to pause such services.
Last week, bishops announced that a planned trial of stand-alone blessing services for same-sex couples would be paused. Bishops stated that prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, known as Prayers of Love and Faith (or PLF), can continue only within regular church services.
Conservative Anglicans have expressed strong opposition to moves to normalise gay marriage, arguing that separate blessing services closely resemble traditional wedding ceremonies. The official position of the Church of England remains that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Bishops have said that stand-alone services would require two-thirds majority support from General Synod, admitting it was a “difficult but necessary” decision to delay until that level of agreement is reached.
However, writing on inclusivevangelicals.com, Canon Simon Butler, rector of Holy Trinity & St Mary’s Guildford, said the Living in Love and Faith process, which explores the Church’s approach to sex and relationships—especially around same-sex issues—offered “crumbs of comfort”.
"The Church of England is almost as unwelcoming to those LGBT+ people who wish to celebrate their life-long commitment before God," he said.
He added: "At Holy Trinity & St Mary’s, Guildford, I have used Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) in two stand-alone services since they were permitted and would welcome further enquiries. They have been simple occasions of quiet joy”.
Canon Butler also argued that existing canon law allows for such separate services.
"Some clergy will be worried about being disobedient to their bishops, but I hope this makes it clear that this is a matter of canonical freedom that already exists for clergy," he said.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the Rev Canon Dr Giles Fraser, Vicar of St Anne’s, Kew, also said he would ignore the plan set out by the bishopd.
“I’m very happy to affirm the marriage of gay people," he said. I think [that] the Church blesses battleships for goodness’ sake, but not bless two people that love each other, is bonkers”.
Last week, GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) issued a communiqué titled The Future Has Arrived, declaring that they are reordering the Anglican Communion as the “Global Anglican Communion”.
GAFCON is a movement of conservative Anglican churches, mainly from Africa and Asia, committed to what it describes as “biblical” teachings of Anglicanism. The group opposes same-sex blessings and the installation of a female Archbishop of Canterbury.
Premier Christian News has contacted the Church of England for a comment.