General Synod divided over homosexuality

TWO DEBATES on Wednesday exposed deep divisions in the General Synod over sexuality. Speakers ranged from those who believe that homosexuality is a condition that can be healed to priests living in same-sex partnerships.

The second debate, on Wednesday afternoon, contained sharp criticism, expressed in a private member’s motion, of the Bishops’ Pastoral Statement in support of the Government’s introduction of civil partnerships.

In the end, an amendment from the House of Bishops drew the sting, but it was itself amended so as to remove a section that described their statement as a "balanced and sensitive attempt to apply the Church’s teaching to civil partnerships". Read more