Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Equal Marriage: Church of England

24 January 2023 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Selous Con South West Bedfordshire

Women & EqualitiesReligion & Faith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Selous raised concerns about equal marriage: church of england in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Speaker addressed the bishops' recent publication of a pastoral letter and draft resources for same-sex couples.
  • The bishops apologised for past exclusion and hostility towards LGBTQI+ individuals and condemned homophobia.
  • The General Synod's inability to secure a two-thirds majority means changes to canon law on holy matrimony cannot proceed.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Andrew Selous

Mr Speaker, I addressed the bishops' recent publication of a pastoral letter and draft resources that enable same-sex couples to give thanks for their civil marriage or partnership in Church of England churches. The bishops apologised for past exclusion and hostility towards LGBTQI+ individuals, condemning homophobia and urging churches to welcome these couples unreservedly. However, due to the General Synod's inability to secure a two-thirds majority, changes to canon law on holy matrimony are not possible currently. Parliament will only need to initiate legislation if the Church decides otherwise in future. The House approved measures in 2013 ensuring religious freedom and conscience protection for all faiths regarding same-sex marriage. The General Synod will consider these proposals from 6 to 9 February, after which they will reflect on feedback before commending prayers of love and faith, agreeing to new pastoral guidance on singleness, friendship, community, and household, offering resources for covenanted companionship.

Other contributors (13)
  • Ben Bradshaw Lab Exeter

    Question

    Mr Deputy Speaker, I question the compatibility of continuing discrimination against lesbian and gay Anglicans with the Church's duty to serve everyone. How sustainable is it when Scottish and Welsh constituents can marry in church but English ones cannot? Sir Tony Baldry suggested parishes could conduct same-sex weddings without compulsion, why was this rejected? The statement fails to appeal to minorities and young people who find it incomprehensible. An apology for homophobia lacks meaning if discrimination continues. Will the proposed prayers bless relationships or just individuals? What will happen to clergy in same-sex relationships? What about a priest married in Scotland applying for work in England? Consideration should be given to complexities involving the monarch when teaching and practice vary across the UK. Bishops must not let policy be dictated by vocal minorities, neglecting their duty to serve all.

    Minister reply

    I respect the right hon Gentleman's questions but will follow up on some later in writing. There is a distinction between civil law and Church law regarding marriage. The Synod decides these matters democratically, with three Houses: Bishops, Laity, and Clergy. Prayers bless individuals rather than relationships to avoid changing doctrine. No priest loses their job due to sexuality or who they live with. A new pastoral consultative committee is reviewing guidance. I will feed back fully and frankly to the General Synod on these issues.

  • Peter Bottomley Con Walthamstow

    Question

    The House should be grateful for the right hon Member for Exeter's raising this issue. My hon Friend as Second Church Estates Commissioner is a channel of peace, but we cannot allow Bills to be held up by one third of one part of the General Synod. Recent legislation wrongly gave permission for flying bishops and people under them to refuse to recognise women ordained in the Church of England. We need a commission similar to Chadwick's to ask how to resolve this dilemma.

    Minister reply

    I respect the Father of the House and will feed back fully and frankly not only the views of the House but the strength of feeling on these issues to the General Synod, as my role as Second Church Estates Commissioner requires.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Does the minister acknowledge that protection for those who hold biblical beliefs regarding marriage is enshrined in legislation, and that Government would never instruct the Church on what to believe or how to express these beliefs unless they contravened the law? Is it right that how the Church approaches marriage and blessings is a matter entirely for it?

    Minister reply

    The minister affirmed that there are differing views within both the House and the Church, acknowledging the freedom of conscience for individual priests. He referenced historical instances where Parliament's involvement in religious matters led to conflicts among Christians and assured that he would reflect concerns back to the Synod.

  • Chris Loder Con New Forest East

    Question

    Does the minister agree that it took five years for the House of Bishops to come to a conclusion, which is too long? Can reform be considered in synodical arrangements?

    Minister reply

    The minister reassured his hon. Friend that the new pastoral guidance will address recent changes by the Church swiftly and at pace. He was unable to provide specific advice but expressed confidence that those concerned would find satisfaction with the direction of the new guidance.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

    Question

    There is significant pain for church wardens who love someone of their own sex and cannot marry in the place they devote their lives to. Is there any biblical teaching that says same-sex marriage or relationships are wrong?

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the deep emotion behind the question, noting the Archbishop's grief over the issue. He emphasised that good people can come to different conclusions on biblical teachings and quoted an apology from the Church acknowledging past mistreatment of LGBTQI+ individuals.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    Is this a typical Church of England fudge, but welcome because it shows that other issues need addressing?

    Minister reply

    The minister recognised the seriousness of the issue and agreed with the importance of the Church's mission to save souls. He noted the balance between addressing pressing social issues and maintaining spiritual focus.

  • Christine Jardine LD Edinburgh West

    Question

    Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the Church risks separating itself from many people who might otherwise be part of it by its current approach?

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the criticism but emphasised the spirit in which the Church's recent changes were made, including an apology for past treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals.

  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Question

    Does the hon. Gentleman agree that freedom of religion or belief should be honoured at home to promote it internationally?

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the importance of honouring religious freedoms domestically and reciprocated by recognising Fiona Bruce's work as the Prime Minister’s envoy for freedom of religion and belief.

  • Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre

    Question

    As a Christian, I believe that love should be celebrated in all its forms. Given the Church of England's established role, does it agree with celebrating diversity in human sexuality as something designed by God?

    Minister reply

    The Church recognises its duty to represent all faiths within the country and has issued prayers of love and faith which celebrate different types of relationships.

  • Robin Millar

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that it is premature to hold this conversation given that not every member of the General Synod has had a chance to express their views on this issue?

    Minister reply

    The General Synod will have its own debate early next month and members can voice their opinions then, mirroring the passionate views expressed in Parliament today.

  • Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

    Question

    Does the Minister consider permissive legislation that would enable places of worship to choose whether or not to perform same-sex marriages a reasonable step forward, considering it respects religious freedom?

    Minister reply

    The Church welcomes same-sex couples unreservedly and joyfully. The Speaker’s Chaplain is willing to say prayers for Members in the crypt chapel if requested; on permissive legislation, the Minister will relay this suggestion to the bishops and Synod.

  • Peter Gibson

    Question

    While welcoming progress towards allowing blessings for same-sex couples, should not the Church celebrate every relationship to eliminate a two-tier system that labels gay people as second-class citizens?

    Minister reply

    The Church has apologised for past behaviours and is making significant changes. However, there is an understanding of the need to go further in ensuring all relationships are celebrated equally.

Shadow Comment

Ben Bradshaw

Mr Deputy Speaker, I question the compatibility of continuing discrimination against lesbian and gay Anglicans with the Church's duty to serve everyone. How sustainable is it when Scottish and Welsh constituents can marry in church but English ones cannot? Sir Tony Baldry suggested parishes could conduct same-sex weddings without compulsion, why was this rejected? The statement fails to appeal to minorities and young people who find it incomprehensible. An apology for homophobia lacks meaning if discrimination continues. Will the proposed prayers bless relationships or just individuals? What will happen to clergy in same-sex relationships? What about a priest married in Scotland applying for work in England? Consideration should be given to complexities involving the monarch when teaching and practice vary across the UK. Bishops must not let policy be dictated by vocal minorities, neglecting their duty to serve all.

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