BLESSINGS for same-sex couples can take place within existing church services from this Sunday, after the House of Bishops formally commended the Prayers of Love and Faith at a meeting on Tuesday. In the Synod in November, an amendment calling on the Bishops to consider a trial period for stand-alone services was carried, albeit narrowly (News, 15 November). Alongside their planned experimental use, the stand-alone services are to be considered for authorisation by the Synod, under a two-year process under Canon B2. Leaked voting figures from the College and House of Bishops suggest that there is majority support for this move. Pastoral guidance for the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith has, though, been published, and is available on the Church of England website.

Source: The Times December 12, 2023 19:18 UTC