November '23 Synod Roundup

There has been a small flurry of activity following the vote at General Synod this week, which means that important things get lost. So here are some links which are worth your attention.

With regards to the proposals themselves, there is some doubt as to their legality. Andrew Goddard weighs up the theological merits of the proposal and, in another post, asks: are the prayers of love and faith legal? Martin Davie (who was for thirteen years theological consultant to the Church of England’s House of Bishops) draws upon Bonhoeffer to lament the decision. A General Synod chaplain muses on possible futures, and here is a press report here.

For a liberal take on all this, read Theo Hobson in the Spectator. To get a sense of the mood we are all in, might I suggest reading the reflections Colin Coward (an LGBT campaginer) on a meeting with Archbishop Justin. People from both sides of the debate have called on ++Justin to resign, and a petition was presented at synod also calling for just that. It's fair to say there is little trust to be had, as can be seen from the closeness of the votes.

So what now? The Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) have released details of some new initiatives they have set up in light of the vote which are worth reading and digesting. They are a signficant move.