Traditionalist bishops commended over opposition to CofE's same-sex blessing plans

The orthodox Anglican movement, Gafcon, has commended 11 bishops in the Church of England for opposing plans to introduce prayers for same-sex couples.

The Prayers of Love and Faith are being debated this week by the Church of England's parliamentary body, General Synod.

The House of Bishops commended the prayers in October but 11 bishops publicly dissented, including the Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, the Bishop of Lancaster, Jill Duff, the Bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, and the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox.

The Gafcon Primates Council issued a statement ahead of the Synod and following its meeting in Uxbridge, England, last week in which it said, "We especially commend those English bishops who have distanced themselves from the egregious recommendations of the House of Bishops."

The council lamented "the slow, but relentless, moral decay in parts of the Anglican Communion where the world's values have been endorsed and embraced, replacing the clear teaching of God's word written".

Gafcon provinces are being urged to consider withdrawing all links with English dioceses whose bishops support the proposals.

"We also extend the right hand of fellowship to and support all bishops, clergy and laity who oppose these revisionist doctrines and courageously uphold the teaching of Christ on the sanctity of marriage as God has ordained it (Matthew 19:4-6)," said the council.

Gafcon leaders reiterated that they have no plans to leave the Anglican Communion but instead remain committed to "the task of resetting the Communion" in partnership with another traditionalist body, the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA).

The statement added that Gafcon leaders will not be attending the 2024 Primates Meeting convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Rome "given the failure of the so-called Instruments of Communion".

They "encourage all orthodox Primates to join us in this stand against those who support a revisionist agenda".

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.