human sexuality
The next Synod will have to further address the divisive issues of human sexuality.
Human Sexuality/Marriage
Whilst being respectful of the range of views, I am clear in my own convictions around the issues of human sexuality and hold a traditional view on marriage.
As I write, I am working on a project with a group of people – several of whom have radically different views from mine on the issue of human sexuality – but who, like me, were deeply concerned by the synod’s recent response to the Kairos 2 document which has caused distress to many in the British Jewish community.
Human Sexuality.
Two of the most pressing areas of concern for the Church of England are safeguarding and human sexuality.
It must also navigate profound questions concerning human sexuality and relationships, the authority and interpretation I of Scripture, and our identity and unity within the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Diocesan Synod since 2006, and I’ve been involved in London Open House for City Deanery, in the 2012 Ambassadors project, in Pray For 7 as part of Capital Vision, and on the planning group for the London Shared Conversations on Human Sexuality.
Human sexuality- I remain personally committed to the Church of England’s longstanding teaching on marriage and sexual relationships, as expressed in Canon B30.
I was appointed by a previous Bishop of Guildford as a member of the human sexuality “Listening Group” in the Diocese, a group which met bi-monthly for 3 years.
It is also well known that I continue to be actively involved in behind the scenes discussions in relation to issues of human sexuality aimed at proposing structures which would prevent anyone feeling rejected by the CofE.
With regard to the ongoing discussions around human sexuality and relationships I support the current church position on marriage and relationships.
Questions concerning trust, safeguarding, human sexuality, inclusion, discipleship and younger generations require prayerful, courageous and responsible attention.
Faith, Human Sexuality and Inclusion: My theological conviction begins with the belief that God is the Creator of heaven and earth and that humanity is created male and female in the image of God.
I hold to a traditional understanding of God's plan for human sexuality, gender and marriage, while affirming that Scripture clearly teaches, we are each made in His likeness and deeply loved.
I took part in General Synod’s Shared Conversations in Human Sexuality.
Contested issues One cannot fail to be aware of the different theological positions currently represented within the Church of England, particularly around contested issues of human sexuality.
Sean Doherty and I might have surprised you by cross-nominating each other despite significant differences of view on some subjects, not least human sexuality.
Human sexuality
Marriage and sexual ethics Although the LLF process has officially been brought to a close, the recent King Private Members Motion brought to General Synod indicates that the debates around a biblical understanding of human sexuality will continue into the next Synod.
Though it is both divisive and momentous, I am not convinced that the debate over human sexuality is the most immediate threat to parish ministry.
The previous programme of Living in Love and Faith formed an excellent basis for discussion around matters of human sexuality and same-sex relationships and marriage.
I contributed directly to the shaping of different proposals, in particular, the abolition of the document Issues in Human Sexuality.
In terms of the ongoing discussions on human sexuality and relationships; I support the Church’s current traditional position on marriage and relationships.
As a grandfather I commit myself to passing on to the next but one generation a vibrant Church of England which holds fast to the historical teaching of the church on matters of identity and human sexuality while so much of UK society is caught up in a maelstrom of alternative ideas and influences which leave our grandchildren confused and despairing.
Unless we wish the rancorous debate over human sexuality to continue until one side claims total victory, we need to acknowledge that both viewpoints are sincerely held, and cannot easily co-exist.
This election takes time at a key moment for the Church of England; safeguarding reforms, human sexuality and same-sex relationships and financial and parish sustainability being some key areas to consider.
In the last 5 years at the General Synod, I have had opportunities to speak on various issues including matters concerning human sexuality, to attend the committee on the new Clergy Conduct Measure, to organise a number of fringe events on issues such as assisted suicide, and to ask many formal questions.
Human sexuality Whether we like it or not, the next General Synod will continue to wrestle with issues of gender, identity and human sexuality as and when the House of Bishops Working Group brings proposals to General Synod.
Church unity and human sexuality In the last General Synod vital and difficult conversations were held regarding the different deeply held views and lived experiences in the Church on matters of human sexuality.
Working across difference In July 2025, during debate on the Private Member’s Motion concerning Issues in Human Sexuality, I worked with Together and across the chamber to bring an amendment which replaced the continued use of Issues in Human Sexuality with the interim use of the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy.
This was an important step for justice and inclusion: Issues in Human Sexuality had caused deep hurt to LGBT+ people and was not fit for purpose.
Issues in Human Sexuality document.
My understanding of Scripture also shapes my convictions about marriage and human sexuality: that marriage is the lifelong union of a man and a woman, and that sexual intimacy belongs within that covenant.
One issue that continues to dominate discussions in the national church is the ongoing debates around human sexuality and relationships.
• Finally, on the wide-ranging set of questions that gather around issues of human sexuality and
While I uphold an orthodox view on God’s design for human sexuality, gender and marriage and believe that Scripture is clear that we are all loved and created in His image, I feel strongly that our churches should be places where all are loved and equally cherished and given the opportunity to come to know God’s life-giving love for them through Jesus.
As one who holds the traditional teaching about indissoluble marriage for life between a man and a woman and human sexuality, I served with those of all views as a member of the LLF Programme Board.
I hold the church’s traditional view on human sexuality and through our discussions I can honestly say that we learnt more about each other and began to look for an honest way forward.
It was from my sub-group that the consensus emerged on how to replace ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’.
in the landmark motion which got Issues in Human Sexuality removed from the discernment process with virtually unanimous support.
For over 30 years, one part of the ordination process was dominated by the hurtful and homophobic document ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’.
Last year, I worked with others on the motion to repeal the document ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’ as part of the Living in Love and Faith discussions.
Human sexuality Human sexuality will remain one of Synod's big discussions over the next five years.
I support traditional family life, defining marriage as the life-long union between one man and one woman and in discussion lovingly seek to uphold this teaching of the Church concerning human sexuality.
Trust has also been damaged in our debates around the sensitive issue of human sexuality and marriage – questions that are deeply personal for many in our church families.
My scriptural convictions mean that I hold to Canon B30 and the teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, and my pastoral heart desires to see a positive vision for the flourishing of human sexuality within a Christ centred proclamation of the Gospel.
While there’s much that’s good that comes from being able to draw on centralised services and structures in both a diocesan and national context, should I be elected to Synod, I would use my voice to advocate for the centre serving the local parish rather than the other way around. Human Sexuality I am aware that the last five years have been bruising ones for General Synod as issues of Human Sexuality have been keenly debated.
Human Sexuality
3: Human sexuality and marriage
I hold a historically Christian understanding of the doctrine of marriage and human sexuality, and would describe myself as generously orthodox: clear in conviction, committed to listening and seeking unity with all in a way that demonstrates the love of Christ.
Human Sexuality
These will include: e Human sexuality, and how the church will, as I hope it will, become fully inclusive of all who seek to follow Christ e Safeguarding — how best to create and sustain an effective professional safeguarding service which is locally based while demonstrably independent of the Church e Recognition of our responsibilities as temporary custodians of our God-given natural environment, and encouraging society at large to face up to the challenges of climate change
It is a lamentable failure of our church’s witness that those outside the church often associate Anglicans primarily with what they see as a destructive and irrelevant battle around human sexuality.
Well, simply this: I understand that this next Synod is considered significant to many, for various reasons, and that there is danger of argument and division, particularly over the continuing debate on human sexuality.
There are some really important issues facing Synod in the next five years, these include: Continuing to respond to the climate crisis, to continue to advocate for racial justice in all that we do and have done and to continue the difficult but vital discussions around human sexuality and the gospel.
There are significant agenda items for this coming quinquennium, including establishing a new independent safeguarding authority for the Church, the ongoing work on human sexuality, and the National Funding for Diocesan Ministry Review, looking at how we can best distribute the significant funding from the Church Commissioners to Dioceses and Parishes.
I also believe that the Church must be compassionate, welcoming and pastorally available to all, while remaining faithful to the Church’s historic Christian teaching on human sexuality.
Recognizing in the C of E a wide variety of views on marriage and sexuality, I always want to listen and understand the views of others, holding my own views with compassion; in my 10 years leading Christian Vision for Men, I would seek the sage advice from a close friend, a celebate gay man, when handling pastoral issues on matters of human sexuality.
Human sexuality and marriage The years ahead will require us to continue the important conversations emerging from the Living in Love and Faith process.
I have friends and colleagues from varied traditions who have deeply held convictions on different sides of the debate about human sexuality.
For the sake of transparency, if elected I intend to abstain on Synod votes specifically concerning contested questions of human sexuality.
I recognise that, for some clergy, questions of human sexuality will understandably determine their first preference, and they may wish to give that vote to a candidate who shares their convictions.
Human sexuality and marriage The LLF and PLF processes and the debates of the last quinquennium have created hurt and division across our church.
Whether the debate is about childhood poverty, the care system, pensions, safeguarding, AI, neurodiversity, accepted forms of worship, racial inequality, the energy crisis, clergy welfare, global warming, human sexuality and “equal marriage”, or global issues, those working daily at the “chalk-face” must have a place in the discussion and their voices heard.
In particular, the church has not moved quickly enough to implement independent oversight of safeguarding, and we remain divided on human sexuality, where there is unfinished business from the Living in Love and Faith process.
Human sexuality The process known as Living in Love and Faith drew to a close this year, with the Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples commended for use in regular services, and the much-criticised guidelines in Issues in Human Sexuality withdrawn from use in the discernment process.
I uphold a traditional orthodox view on human sexuality, gender and marriage and that Scripture shows all are loved by God and created in his image.
Where there are significant differences on contentious issues such as human sexuality, we should seek to disagree well and find generous ways to honour one another’s views.
I hope that over the lifetime of the next Synod the Church of England will be able to move significantly forward on issues and questions around human sexuality and pastoral practice such that all people of all backgrounds and sexual orientation may be able to play a full part in the life of the Church, while respecting those with differing views
Much of this is still being shaped by debate in the General Synod 2003, the disastrous Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) was introduced, now to be replaced with the Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) agreed by General Synod in 2025 and due for implementation this year We have had multiple reports on human sexuality culminating in the huge collection of resources, ‘Living in Love and Faith,’ which has now run its course, though the debate continues and will certainly shape the next quinquennium of General Synod Multiple parish benefices have continued to grow in number and size, and with it, clergy workload and stress.
Issues In Human Sexuality from