Global South decries Church of England's 'disastrous decision' to move forward with same-sex blessings

 (Photo: Unsplash/François Genon)

The Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA) has said it is "saddened" by the decision of the Church of England General Synod yesterday to continue the process towards implementing same-sex blessings.

The Church's parliamentary body passed a resolution backing the introduction of standalone services of blessing on a trial basis.

The services of prayer and dedication will be based around the Prayers of Love and Faith asking that God blesses a same-sex couple and fills them with his grace.

The Church of England has said that the services will be trialled on a temporary basis "soon", while work continues towards permanent authorisation.

In a statement, the GSFA warned that Wednesday's decision would only deepen the divisions in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

It expressed its support for faithful Anglicans within the Church of England and said it wanted to "assure them of our continuing prayers and pastoral commitment as a global body". 

"We are saddened to know that the General Synod of the Church of England has passed a resolution to bless same sex unions despite almost 50% of the Synod opposing the bishops' proposal," the GSFA said.

"This disastrous decision creates the same serious consequences of differentiation and division as in other provinces and further fractures our beloved Anglican Communion."

The statement ended by quoting Revelation 2:10, " ... Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

It was signed by Justin Badi, Archbishop of South Sudan and GSFA Chair.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Jonathan Fletcher found to have indecently assaulted man
Jonathan Fletcher found to have indecently assaulted man

Fletcher was unable to stand trial due to dementia.

After the elections, what next for Britain?
After the elections, what next for Britain?

If the two-party system is indeed dead, as both Zack Polanski and Nigel Farage claim, it’s because members of these two parties have failed, promoting ideologies that are alien to the British character, and serving their own interests, rather than those of the people.

Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention
Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention

What if modern life itself is making sustained attention, inner stillness and mental clarity increasingly difficult for almost everyone?

Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'
Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'

Nigel Farage has clashed with CoE leaders in the past.