same-sex marriage
I originally decided to stand for synod because, as the proud father of a lesbian daughter and someone who has campaigned for greater equality and inclusion in the church since my ordination in 2005, I wanted to do my bit to try and resolve the current impasse on the issue of same-sex marriage.
I have publicly advocated, and will continue to do so, for the full affirmation of same-sex marriage whilst allowing for diversity of theological expression and conscience as we have done with the acceptance of the ordination of women
In 2023, along with six friends, I co-founded the group Inclusive Evangelicals to give a space for evangelicals to express support for same sex marriage.
I support the full and equal participation of LGBTQ+ people in the life and ministry of the Church; being in a same-sex marriage should not in itself prevent full involvement and/or ministry.
My priorities for a second term include: i) Inclusion Believing that, in Christ, we are all equal in God’s sight, I would continue to champion for standalone same-sex blessings and same-sex marriage within the Church.
The way forward with respect to same-sex marriage is still unclear but there is a renewed recognition that good process can help to produce better outcomes.
I grew up in an evangelical church and for many years held the conviction that I could not support same-sex marriage, believing it to be against biblical teaching.
• Same-sex marriage.
The issue which will likely attract the most coverage and attention in the next Synod is the output of the House of Bishops working group to consider the process for the Prayers of Love and Faith and define what legislative change and work is needed for clergy same-sex marriage.
I am a believer in same-sex marriage and I don’t see this as inconsistent with scripture.
As a member of Together for the Church of England, I am committed to supporting the work of the Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Working and Pastoral Consultative groups to work for the day when the love shared between same sex couples as a gift from God which can be celebrated and blessed within Church and for clergy to be able to enter into a same sex marriage without facing punitive consequences for their ministry.
Several issues, such as same-sex marriage, were not finalised in the last five years.
Lastly, there is LLF, (Living in Love and Faith) or same-sex marriage.
I continue to hope that the Church can find its way to a more boldly inclusive position than its current official stance, and I would be pleased to see a move to same-sex marriage (with conscience provisions) within the Church of England, which also needs to be more focused on other issues of inclusion as a matter of gospel principle, justice and equity.
On same-sex marriage, I believe that priests should have the ability to decide who they marry, according to their own consciences and in consultation with the communities of faith that they lead.
I hold an orthodox view on same sex marriage, but I absolutely do not want this to pull the Church of England apart.
And so I believe in the full welcome of LGBT+ people in the Church and am ‘pro’ same-sex marriage, which I believe to be consonant with the biblical narrative.
I believe transparency is important, so I want to be clear that I support moving towards same-sex marriage and the full inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in the life of the Church.
Undoubtedly, for the life of General Synod and the Church of England Same Sex marriage will continue to feature highly on Synod’s agenda.
I was a vocal member at General Synod: I advocated for greater administrative support for local parishes to free up priests for mission; I spoke in favour of the House of Bishops speaking with a diverse voice; and, I highlighted the ways in which a discussion about remarriage after divorce was handled so differently from the discussions around same-sex marriage.