Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Identity, Sexuality, Relationships and Marriage

Thursday 27 November 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve Race asked about discussions between Commissioners and the House of Bishops regarding a two-thirds majority requirement for Synod decisions on the 'Living in Love and Faith' recommendations.
  • The Leader of the House stated that the House of Bishops has a role in amending legislation before it reaches the General Synod, and a two-thirds majority is not required for all requirements.
  • Steve Race requested that the Leader of the House convey his views to the House of Bishops and the Second Church Estates Commissioner regarding the Church of England's accountability to Parliament.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Race Lab Exeter
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP is addressing the decision by the House of Bishops to require a two-thirds majority for certain requirements within the Synod, particularly regarding recommendations from the report “Living in Love and Faith”.

Question

What discussions have the Commissioners had with the House of Bishops on the decision to move to a two-thirds majority requirement in Synod to progress the recommendations of ‘Living in Love and Faith’?

Answer from Alan Campbell (Leader of the House of Commons)

The House of Bishops has a special role in matters relating to doctrine, liturgy and sacrament, and the right to amend legislation before it is put before the General Synod for approval. There is no need for a two-thirds majority in order to progress all the requirements of ‘Living in Love and Faith’. The requirement for a two-thirds majority applies only when introducing permanent new services into the Church of England’s liturgy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on specific discussions between Commissioners and House of Bishops were not provided.

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Q2 Steve Race Lab Exeter
Women & Equalities Religion & Faith
Context

The MP is concerned about the Church of England's stance on progressing recommendations from ‘Living in Love and Faith’ that aim at reducing discrimination against same-sex lay and clergy couples.

Question

I thank the Leader of the House for that answer. I wonder whether the Second Church Estates Commissioner might make it clear to the House of Bishops and the new Archbishop of Canterbury, whom I welcome, that the Church of England is accountable to Parliament, and that going backwards on very modest moves to end discrimination against same-sex lay and clergy couples is unacceptable and not a sustainable position if the Church wishes to continue to enjoy the privileges of its established status.

Answer from Alan Campbell (Leader of the House of Commons)

I will convey my hon. Friend’s views to the House of Bishops and to the Second Church Estates Commissioner.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete commitments or actions regarding conveying views were not specified.

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