Bishop's proposal for same-sex blessings

18th January 2023 The Bishops of the Church of England responded to Living in Love & Faith, a response about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.

The issue of same-sex marriage has increasingly become an issue of contention within the Church of England. While other churches have bowed to popular opinion and now allow same-sex couples to be married within their church, the Church of England to date has said that same-sex marriage is not permitted, there is an exclusion in UK law and their official line is: "Church of England ministers can not carry out or bless same-sex marriages, but your local church is still there for you." The 2023 report from the Bishops aims to change that picture. While ostensibly looking to bring reconciliation and find a solution which brings together those in support of same-sex marriage and those against it (to stop the Church of England splitting), there is concern that the report's proposals are non-biblical and will have the effect of bringing in same-sex marriage through the backdoor.