Stay alert, Anglican evangelicals warned

Evangelicals are being urged to remain “alert” after a Church of England motion widely seen as liberalising its position on same-sex relationships was defeated at the Church of England’s General Synod in York.

The call comes from John Dunnett, National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) after the so-called “King Motion” was not carried.

“We thank God for this outcome and for all those who spoke and voted with biblical conviction,” Dunnett said. “At the same time, this result is no cause for complacency… The Living in Love and Faith cause continues, since the House of Bishops’ working group is tasked with exploring what changes would be needed to enable clergy to enter same-sex marriages.”

The Private Member’s Motion, proposed by Professor Helen King, sought to affirm that “there are no fundamental objections to being in a committed, faithful, intimate same-sex relationship, and that such a relationship can be entirely compatible with Christian discipleship.”

Following a short debate, the motion was amended to state the Synod recognised “a legitimate range of theological perspectives” including views that affirm “committed, faithful, intimate same-sex relationships” as being “entirely compatible with Christian discipleship and ministry”.

Although the Synod as a whole supported the amended version, the Evangelical Group of the General Synod (EGGS) called for a vote by houses. After passing in the Houses of Clergy and Laity, the amended motion fell in the House of Bishops in a vote of 11 in favour and 14 against.

“While we are grateful for the bishops who did vote against the motion, the majority of those present did not vote against it,” Dunnett said. “It is therefore clear that the House of Bishops cannot be entirely relied upon to secure Biblical orthodoxy.

“Today’s outcome was close. Had a counted vote in each of the three Houses not been requested, the motion would have been successful. This reality underlines why it is so important to secure an orthodox majority in the General Synod elections.”