Lambeth Palace has sought to clarify comments made by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Leading Podcast with Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell.
Most Rev Justin Welby was asked if he believed gay sex was sinful, a follow-up to a similar question posed to him by Campbell during a 2017 interview for GQ.
In his response, Archbishop Justin admitted he had a “better answer” this time while acknowledging that the issue remains complex and divisive within the Church. However, he emphasised that what he now sees as central is the importance of stable, committed, and faithful relationships.
He said: “Where we (the Church) have come to is to say that all sexual activity should be within a committed relationship, whether it’s straight or gay. We’re not giving up on the idea that sex is within marriage or civil partnership. We’ve put forward a proposal that where people have been through a civil partnership or a same-sex marriage under the 2014 Act, they should be able to come to a church for a service of prayer and blessing."
His comments have provoked significant backlash, particularly from the conservative wing of the Church of England, who argue that a leader who does not uphold traditional biblical teachings on marriage—which state that sexual intimacy should be reserved for marriage—should not be heading the Church.
Critics also argue that the senior cleric’s remarks implied that sex outside of marriage was approved under the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF). These prayers, introduced in February 2023, allow priests to offer blessings for same-sex couples and remain silent about the issue of sex. However, some argue that the archbishop’s comments suggest a broader acceptance of sexual activity outside of marriage, which was not the original intent of the PLF framework.
In response, Lambeth Palace has issued a statement clarifying that the archbishop's comments reflected his personal views, which have evolved over the years. The statement said that his position aligns with that of the Archbishop of York and many other bishops but does not represent the official stance of the Church of England.
The statement said: “He (Archbishop Justin) has been honest that his thinking has evolved over the years through much prayer and theological reflection – particularly through the Living in Love and Faith process – and he now holds this view sincerely. It reflects his commitment to continuing to welcome, love and include LGBTQ+ people more fully in the life of the Church.”
Archbishop Justin’s latest comments represent the clearest statement yet of his position on the issue of sex outside marriage. While both he and the Archbishop of York have expressed similar views in the past, this appears to be the first time the Archbishop of Canterbury has so directly addressed the issue in such a public way.
This controversy comes just days before the House of Bishops is scheduled to meet again to discuss the next steps in the Living in Love and Faith process, which explores the Church’s approach to matters of sexuality and relationships.
