On Tuesday 15 July, the last day of its meeting, the General Synod approved an amended motion, which called for the removal of the 1991 document Issues in Human Sexuality, as part of the discernment and vocations process for ordinands in the Church of England. They asked for it to be replaced, in the interim, with Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy.
Issues in Human Sexuality was originally designed to be a teaching document, but it had taken on a more significant role as part of the Church’s discernment and vocations process, setting out expectations for the conduct of clergy. It is seen by many (including most orthodox voices on General Synod) as inappropriate in tone and language, and outdated.
During the Synod debate, members received clear and public assurance from Bishop Mark Tanner (who is the Chair of the Church of England’s Ministry Development Board and co-wrote the amendment with Jenny Bridgman) that the canons, doctrine and policies of the Church of England would not be changed as a result of the amended motion.
