The terrible quandary facing C of E evangelicals

An informal update on Living in Love and Faith in the York General Synod only shed light on division and stalemate.

After the vote in February, much was left to be brought back in July. Though the synod voted in favour of the House of Bishops’ proposals, vital questions remained unanswered about the final form of the prayers, the pastoral guidance for their use and the provision for those who in conscience could not accept them. In truth, it was a vote to continue with a process, a process which was instantly hampered by the same profound disagreements that were aired in the debate. Church Society Associate Director, Ros Clarke, a member of General Synod, shared in the session that, ‘despite all the good conversations, the sharing and the hearing, the growing fellowship and friendships, there is a profound disagreement which continues to exist on these issues.’

Three workstreams were set up – for the revision of the prayers, the pastoral guidance and pastoral reassurance. Yet very quickly, these carefully selected groups ran into problems, not least dealing with the large overlap between them, and they have now been disbanded. Even before the July synod, an additional synod was called for November, and even then, Ros Clarke said, ‘I honestly think that November may be equally unrealistic.’ She continued, ‘But it may also be that there is no time frame which would be long enough to square this circle.’