Church of England Bishop Issues Apology Over Same-Sex Blessings Controversy
A senior bishop in the Church of England has publicly apologised and acknowledged "failures" as the General Synod concluded its lengthy and contentious process examining same-sex relationships. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, expressed regret for the "pain and disappointment" inflicted during the Synod's vote to wind up the work of the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) group.
Costly and Divisive Process
The LLF initiative, which commenced nearly ten years ago, was designed to explore how identity, sexuality, relationships, and marriage align with Church doctrine. Official figures reveal the process incurred costs of £1.66 million between 2017 and 2025, with expenditures primarily allocated to staffing, consultancy fees, meetings, and conference expenses.
This development occurs precisely three years after a pivotal 2023 Synod vote that endorsed offering blessings to same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages. While the first blessings for same-sex partnerships were conducted in December of that year as part of broader services, subsequent efforts to authorise standalone blessing services have consistently stalled.
Admission of Failure and Deep Divisions
Addressing attendees at Church House in London on Thursday, Archbishop Cottrell stated: "As bishops, we do take our responsibility for our part in this and we do want to say how sorry we are." The Church's second highest-ranking bishop conceded there were "failures of process that have caused real pain to many on all sides of this chamber."
Cottrell reflected critically on the approach, noting: "We perhaps too easily saw LLF as a project to be delivered. This was probably a mistake. Sometimes we sought solace in ambiguity, when clarity was needed." He further observed that the Synod is "more deeply divided than I think we knew, or admitted" with "hurt on all sides."
Widespread Hurt and Institutional Wounds
Echoing this sentiment, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, remarked that the process had "left us wounded as individuals and also as a Church." The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has previously voiced strong opposition, asserting that the blessings—which remain optional—have "alienated many of us who hold to the historic and biblical Anglican doctrine" and effectively endorse practices contrary to biblical teaching.
Subsequent attempts to introduce trial standalone blessing services failed to advance, with legal advice last year indicating that legislation to authorise bespoke services would require two-thirds majorities across all three houses of the Synod. For any change to the rules prohibiting clergy from entering same-sex marriages, legislation would need simple majorities at Synod and subsequent approval by the Westminster Parliament.
Formal Recognition and New Working Group
The motion passed on Thursday formally committed the Synod to "recognise and lament the distress and pain many have suffered during the LLF process, especially LGBTQI+ people," and affirmed that the process will conclude by July. It also endorsed the establishment of a new working group focused on relationships, sexuality, and gender issues.
Quiet Exodus and Feelings of Unwelcome
Synod member Professor Helen King, speaking to the Press Association prior to the vote, highlighted that many gay individuals feel increasingly unwelcome and are discreetly leaving the Church amid the prolonged controversy. Prof King, an elected lay member for the Oxford Diocese and vice-chairwoman of the Together for the Church of England group, described the process as "gruelling" and "very painful" for numerous participants.
She elaborated: "Some of the things that are said in Synod are basically saying, 'the reason we don't want you to get married is you're a sinner and you should repent'. And, 'of course, it's fine being homosexual but, if you have a sexual relationship, no, not fine'. So there's a lot of, 'oh, we welcome gay people'. But then when it comes to it, not their relationships, not their most significant relationships.'"
Prof King added poignantly: "Everybody knows of people who have left (the Church), but it's through the back door. It's very discreet. Nobody makes a fuss. People just quietly fade away because they no longer feel welcome."
Imperfect Conclusion and Unresolved Questions
A letter published in January by the House of Bishops acknowledged that while dialogue "will and must continue," the Synodical process initiated in February 2023 now requires conclusion, albeit in a manner that is "imperfect, untidy and which leaves some important questions unresolved." This admission underscores the ongoing challenges and deep-seated divisions within the Church of England regarding sexuality and inclusion.
