Church of England bishops have halted the planned trial of separate blessing services for same-sex couples, emphasizing the need for broader approval from the Church’s governing body.
While same-sex blessings can still occur within regular services, the separate ceremonies—which would resemble weddings—have been shelved to prevent further divisions.
Stephen Cottrell, the Church’s second-highest-ranking bishop, stated that the decision followed additional legal and theological advice, acknowledging that it would be “difficult and disappointing” for some members. The move comes shortly after the controversial appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury.
The conservative Church of England Evangelical Council stated that the bishops had not acted decisively enough to resolve the issue of blessings and left several questions unanswered.
Mullally—known for her progressive stances—has previously championed the blessings, which were approved on a three-year trial basis by a church vote in 2023. However, the services never commenced, as the Church could not agree on the practical implementation. The bishops’ latest decision effectively requires a two-thirds majority of the governing body—comprising bishops, clergy, and lay members—before such services can proceed.
Orthodox Anglicans have long expressed concern that the Church of England is drifting from biblical teaching. Groups such as the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (Gafcon)—representing millions worldwide—warn that Mullally’s appointment and progressive agenda, including support for female clergy, blessings of same-sex unions, and support for abortion risk alienating traditional members.
A recent Gafcon statement argued that Canterbury has “relinquished its authority to lead,” and asserted that leadership of the Anglican Communion should “pass to those who uphold the truth of the gospel and the authority of Scripture in all areas of life”, particularly regarding marriage and sexual morality.
