The House of Bishops\u2019 decision to commend the prayers of blessing for same-sex couples was made despite a last-minute plea from leaders in the HTB network. Inclusive groups are urging churches to use the prayers this Sunday.<\/p>\n
A group calling itself \u201cthe Alliance\u201d, which comprises the current and former vicars of Holy Trinity, Brompton (HTB), the Revd Archie Coates and the Revd Nicky Gumbel, along with 23 other figures in the C of E, wrote to the Bishops on Monday, the day before the meeting at which agreement was reached to commend the prayers…<\/p>\n
The letter says: \u201cIt is not too late to delay the commending of the Prayers of Love and Faith until the complete package of the Prayers, the full Pastoral Guidance and the Pastoral Reassurance are all presented to Synod.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bishops are also urged to provide \u201cformal legal structural provision\u201d for those who object to the introduction of the prayers. Such a settlement \u201cwill enable those who feel compelled to pursue changes to doctrine and practice to be able to minister freely without their actions causing growing schism in the Church of England\u201d, the group writes.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a> (registration or subscription).<\/p>\n The House of Bishops\u2019 decision to commend the prayers of blessing for same-sex couples was made despite a last-minute plea from leaders in the HTB network. Inclusive groups are urging churches to use the prayers this Sunday. https:\/\/t.co\/MMwrokW6cW<\/a><\/p>\n — Church Times (@ChurchTimes) December 14, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n