Debate on same sex marriage continues for another day in Church of England general synod

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Church of England general synod continued debate on same sex marriage for another day.

Religion Media Center reported the Church of England’s parliament, the General Synod, spent five hours discussing same sex marriage and blessings yesterday in a painstaking process that has spilled over to today (Thursday).

Bishops are proposing a continued ban on same sex marriage but the plan will allow blessings for same sex couples married in civil ceremonies.

There are 69 amendments for debate and recorded votes on each one have shown the church is split.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, told synod: “We are not divided but we disagree, and that is very painful”.

He gave short shrift to talk of a parliamentary rebellion forcing the church into line: “We should not be swayed on the issue by groups or lobbies or outsiders…. I have heard them over the last two weeks in Parliament and been told exactly what to do. I am not doing any of it”