CofE same-sex blessing proposals are 'unsustainable', says evangelical leader

 (Photo: Unsplash)

The head of the Evangelical Alliance UK has appealed to the Church of England to reaffirm its historic commitment to heterosexual marriage.

In an open letter published in Christianity magazine, Gavin Calver said that he was "saddened, pained and a little shocked" by the proposals unveiled last week and that the proposals are an "unsustainable way forward".

"After a long process of listening and discussion, proposals are being brought to General Synod that, while claiming not to change their doctrine of marriage, do appear to dramatically compromise the church's teaching and practice on relationships and sexual ethics," he wrote.

The Church of England said last week that same-sex couples will not be allowed to marry in CofE churches but will be able to have a service of blessing.

The Prayers in Love and Faith unveiled by the CofE last week include prayers for thanksgiving, dedication and God's guidance.

They will be debated by the Church of England's parliamentary body, the General Synod, next month. 

The open letter has been published after meetings between Calver, the Church of England Evangelical Council and Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In his letter, Calver further warned that the ramifications of introducing blessings for same-sex couples will be felt far beyond the Church of England.

He is asking evangelicals to pray ahead of next month's Synod debate. 

"As we have listened, it has been abundantly clear that there is a wide range of views and opinions held and that navigating a way forward is fraught with challenges," he wrote.

"This is not an easy conversation, there is real pain and hurt to be acknowledged and repented of. But, it is also profoundly clear that the attempted compromise being suggested is entirely inadequate for all sides of the debate.

"The proposals being suggested are an unsustainable way forward."

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.