Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Short description|Gay and lesbian sexuality and the Anglican Communionnone}}

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{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}

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{{Christianity and sexual orientation}}

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Since the 1990s, the [[Anglican Communion]] has struggled with controversy regarding [[homosexuality]] in the church. In 1998, the 13th [[Lambeth Conference]] of Anglican bishops passed a resolution "rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with [[Bible|Scripture]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/appendix/p3.6.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050425164052/http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/appendix/p3.6.cfm|archive-date=2005-04-25|title=Lambeth Conference 1998: Resolution 1.10 Human Sexuality|page=6 of 12|year=1998}}</ref> However, this is not legally binding. "Like all Lambeth Conference resolutions, it is not legally binding on all provinces of the Communion, including the Church of England, though it commends an essential and persuasive view of the attitude of the Communion."<ref name="churchofengland">{{Cite news|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2016/11/secretary-general-responds-to-gafcon-uk.aspx|title=Church of England News: Secretary General responds to GAFCON UK|work=Church of England News|access-date=2017-05-09|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819145452/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2016/11/secretary-general-responds-to-gafcon-uk.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> "Anglican national churches in [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|Brazil]], [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa|South Africa]], [[Church of South India|South India]], [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia|New Zealand]] and [[Anglican Church of Canada|Canada]] have taken steps toward approving and celebrating same-sex relationships amid strong resistance among other national churches within the 80 million-member global body. The [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] in the U.S. has allowed same-sex marriage since 2015, and the [[Scottish Episcopal Church]] has allowed same-sex marriage since 2017."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://religionnews.com/2017/08/04/britains-first-same-sex-marriage-celebrated-in-a-scottish-church/|title=Britain's first Anglican same-sex marriage celebrated in a Scottish church|work=Religion News Service|access-date=2017-09-17|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806142025/http://religionnews.com/2017/08/04/britains-first-same-sex-marriage-celebrated-in-a-scottish-church/|url-status=live}}</ref> "In 2017, clergy within the [[Church of England]] clergyindicated havetheir appearedinclination totowards signalsupporting support for gaysame-sex marriage afterby they rejecteddismissing a bishops' report whichthat saidexplicitly thatasserted onlythe aexclusivity manof andchurch womanweddings couldto marryunions inbetween churcha man and a woman."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/|title=Church takes step towards gay marriage after vote rejects controversial report|last=Rudgard|first=Olivia|date=2017-02-15|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2017-09-17|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026002655/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> At General Synod in 2019, the Church of England announced that same-gender couples may remain recognised as married after one spouse experiences a [[gender transition]].<ref name="Religious Affairs Correspondent">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/church-of-england-accepts-same-sex-marriage-with-a-catch-3nq6j0zjh|title=Church accepts marriage between people of the same gender – with a catch|last=Religious Affairs Correspondent|first=Kaya Burgess|date=2019-07-04|work=The Times|access-date=2019-07-06|language=en|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022233431/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/church-of-england-accepts-same-sex-marriage-with-a-catch-3nq6j0zjh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Swerling">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/|title=Church of England will condone gay couples for first time – as long as they were man and wife when they took vows|last=Swerling|first=Gabriella|date=2019-07-04|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-07-06|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022230427/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, the Church of England announced that it would authorise "prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Draft prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples published |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/draft-prayers-thanksgiving-dedication-and-gods-blessing-same-sex |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=The Church of England |date=20 January 2023 |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121031203/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/draft-prayers-thanksgiving-dedication-and-gods-blessing-same-sex |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England rejects same-sex marriage, says union is between "one man and one woman for life" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/church-of-england-continues-to-refuse-to-allow-same-sex-marriages/ |access-datelast=2023-01-21Mandler |first=C |website=www.cbsnews.comCBS |date=18 January 2023 |language=en-US |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121022441/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/church-of-england-continues-to-refuse-to-allow-same-sex-marriages/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2002, the [[Anglican Diocese of New Westminster|Diocese of New Westminster]], in the [[Anglican Church of Canada]], permitted the [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessing of same-sex unions]]. In 2003, two openly [[gay]] men in England and the [[United States]] became candidates for [[bishop]]. In the [[Church of England]], [[Jeffrey John]] eventually succumbed to pressure to withdraw his name from consideration to be the [[Bishop of Reading]]. In the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church in the United States]], [[Gene Robinson]] was elected and consecrated [[Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire|Bishop of New Hampshire]], becoming the first openly [[gay bishops|gay bishop]] in the Anglican Communion and in [[Apostolic succession|apostolic]] [[Christianity]]. This was highly controversial and led several hundred bishops to [[boycott]] the 2008 Lambeth Conference. As an alternative to Lambeth, many of these bishops attended the [[Global Anglican Futures Conference]] in [[Jerusalem]].<ref name="Brittain/McKinnon1-3">Christopher Craig Brittain and Andrew McKinnon, "[http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/3055/1/Anglican_Communion_Conflict_revision_01102010.pdf Homosexuality and the Construction of 'Anglican Orthodoxy': The Symbolic Politics of the Anglican Communion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814080359/http://aura.abdn.ac.uk/bitstream/2164/3055/1/Anglican_Communion_Conflict_revision_01102010.pdf |date=14 August 2014 }}," ''Sociology of Religion'' (2011), pp. 1–3.</ref>

As of 2004, other Anglican provinces, including the [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa]] and the [[Scottish Episcopal Church]], permitted the ordination of gay clergy and others, such as the [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopal Church in the USA]],<ref>{{cite webnews|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/17/AR2009071702943.html|title=New Episcopal Measures on Gay Bishops, Same-Sex Unions May Cause Further Rift|worknewspaper=washingtonpost.comThe Washington Post|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112072500/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/17/AR2009071702943.html|url-status=live}}</ref> permitted [[blessing of same-sex unions]] as well.<ref name="ucc"/> The BBC, in 2009, reported that many clergy in the Church of England "already bless same-sex couples on an unofficial basis".<ref>{{cite web|title=Christian attitudes to same-sex marriage|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/samesexmarriage.shtml|website=bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC|access-date=2016-04-14|archive-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126174131/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/samesexmarriage.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In South Africa, the [[Diocese of Saldanha Bay]] voted to support blessings for same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/churchs-decision-to-bless-same-sex-unions-hailed-17390688 |title=Church's decision to bless same-sex unions hailed {{!}}|last=Isaacs Cape|first=Lisa |date=October 8, 2018 Times|website=www.iol.co.zaCape Times |language=en |access-date=2019-09-28August 17, 2024 |archive-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008104446/https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/churchs-decision-to-bless-same-sex-unions-hailed-17390688|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lagazzettadelsudafrica.net/index.php/current-news/4843-anglican-diocese-of-sandanha-to-bless-same-sex-unions|title=Anglican Diocese of Sandanha to bless same-sex unions|last=Migliore|first=Ciro|website=La Gazzetta del Sudafrica|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-09-28|archive-date=28 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928201510/https://lagazzettadelsudafrica.net/index.php/current-news/4843-anglican-diocese-of-sandanha-to-bless-same-sex-unions|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Anglican Church of Australia's highest court ruled that a diocese may authorise the blessing [[Rite (Christianity)|rite]]s of same-sex unions.<ref name="churchtimes.co.uk">{{Cite web |title=Australian tribunal clears way for same-sex marriage blessings |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/news/world/australian-tribunal-clears-way-for-same-sex-marriage-blessings |last=Porter |first=Muriel |access-date=November 13, 2020-11-14 |website=www.churchtimes.co.ukChurch Times |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331074323/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/news/world/australian-tribunal-clears-way-for-same-sex-marriage-blessings|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="anglicannews.org">{{Cite web |title=Wangaratta's same-sex wedding blessing "valid", Australia's highest Church court rules |url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2020/11/wangarattas-same-sex-wedding-blessing-valid-australias-highest-church-court-rules.aspx |access-date=November 12, 2020-11-14 |website=www.anglicannews.orgAnglican News |language=en-gb |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331074320/https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2020/11/wangarattas-same-sex-wedding-blessing-valid-australias-highest-church-court-rules.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="abc.net.au">{{Cite web|date=2020-11-12 |title='A sign that God loves you and we welcome you': Anglican diocese allows blessings of same-sex marriages |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-12/same-sex-couples-anglican-church-blessings-wangaratta/12875676 |last=Jacobs |first=Amber |access-date=November 12, 2020 |access-11-14date=August 17, 2024 |website=www.abc.net.auABC |language=en-AU |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331074324/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-12/same-sex-couples-anglican-church-blessings-wangaratta/12875676|url-status=live }}</ref> In [[Anglican Church of Australia|Australia]], two dioceses have done so.<ref name="Morgan">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/6359464/love-vote-gay-couple-to-be-the-first-blessed-by-church-after-marriage/|title=Love vote: Gay couple to be the first blessed by church after marriage|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2019-08-31|website=The Border Mail|language=en|access-date=2019-09-01|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901005009/https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/6359464/love-vote-gay-couple-to-be-the-first-blessed-by-church-after-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="7news.com.au">{{Cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/news/religion-and-belief/newcastle-anglicans-support-gay-marriage-c-525743|title=Newcastle Anglicans support gay marriage|date=2019-10-27|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en|access-date=2019-10-27|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410080221/https://7news.com.au/news/religion-and-belief/newcastle-anglicans-support-gay-marriage-c-525743|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the Southern African Provincial Synod voted to ask dioceses to "reflect and study" a report that recommends allowing each diocese to choose to offer services of prayer for couples in same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/provincial-synod-resumes-debate-on-human-sexuality/|title=Provincial Synod resumes debate on human sexuality – Anglican Church of Southern Africa|website=anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2019-09-28|archive-date=28 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928200854/https://anglicanchurchsa.org/provincial-synod-resumes-debate-on-human-sexuality/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Many provinces, primarily from the [[Global South (Anglican)|Global South]] and representing about half of the 80&nbsp;million active Anglicans worldwide, have responded to these theological disputes by declaring a state of [[Full communion|impaired communion]] with their Western counterparts.<ref>''The Tablet'', 26 July 2003, [http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/citw.cgi/past-00153 Row over homosexuality splits Anglican Communion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051111233908/http://thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/citw.cgi/past-00153 |date=11 November 2005 }}. Retrieved 2007-03-21.</ref> Minority groups in Western provinces have stated their opposition to what they consider un-scriptural actions by the churches in [[England]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and the United States. Since 2000, some conservative Global South provinces have appointed missionary bishops to the United States and Canada to provide pastoral oversight to disaffected Anglicans. This process, known as [[Anglican realignment]], is considered by the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church USA]] and the [[Anglican Church of Canada]] to be an illegitimate incursion into their territories; however, conservative Anglicans argued that the incursions were necessary because of the failure of these churches to uphold traditional teaching with regard to [[human sexuality]].<ref name="Brittain/McKinnon1-3"/>

As of 2016, "the more liberal provinces that are open to changing Church doctrine on marriage in order to allow same-sex unions include [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|Brazil]], [[Anglican Church of Canada|Canada]], [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia|New Zealand]], [[Scottish Episcopal Church|Scotland]], [[Church of South India|South India]], [[Anglican Church of Southern Africa|South Africa]], the US and [[Church in Wales|Wales]]".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|title=Church split over homosexuality would be a failure – Welby – BBC News|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2016|access-date=2016-04-23|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221143053/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|url-status=live}}</ref> In England and Wales, civil partnerships are permitted for clergy. "Neither the Church in Wales nor the Church of England are opposed to clergy being in civil partnerships. The Church of England requests that clergy in civil partnerships vow to remain sexually chaste, but the Church in Wales has no such restriction."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/leading-gay-cleric-jeffrey-john-narrowly-rejected-as-bishop-in-wales/105009.htm |title=Leading Gay Cleric Jeffrey John Narrowly Rejected As Bishop in Wales {{!}}|last=Farley Christian News on Christian Today|websitefirst=www.christiantoday.comHarry |date=February 24 February, 2017 |website=Christian Today |access-date=2017-02-27August 17, 2024 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228075219/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/leading-gay-cleric-jeffrey-john-narrowly-rejected-as-bishop-in-wales/105009.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The Church of England has allowed priests to enter into same-sex civil partnerships since 2005.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=2013-01-04|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-10-24|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925012956/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2023, the General Synod of [[Church of England]] endorsed blessings for same-sex couples.<ref name="skynoffer"/> As a result, archbishops from 10 conservative provinces of the Anglican Communion declared a state of "impaired communion" with the Church of England and announced that they no longer recognise the Archbishop of Canterbury as "first among equals" among the bishops of the Anglican Communion.<ref name="abcreject"/>

{{Anglicanism}}

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{{Main|Anglican doctrine}}

{{more citations needed section|date=April 2010}}

There is a wide range of beliefs within the [[Anglican Communion]] regarding homosexuality. Some followers believe that heterosexuality or [[celibacy]] is required of Christians,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-01-15 |title=Anglican communion to restrict US Church over gay marriage |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35318392 |access-date=2022-07-03 |archive-date=12 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212000821/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35318392 |url-status=live }}</ref> but believe in tolerance towards others, whereas other followers believe that [[LGBTLGBTQ|LGBT+]] Anglicans should be able to marry a person of the same sex in church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anglicans more likely than not to back the Church of England conducting same-sex marriages {{!}} YouGov |url=https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/45199-anglicans-more-likely-not-back-church-england-cond?redirect_from=%2Ftopics%2Fsociety%2Farticles-reports%2F2023%2F02%2F09%2Fanglicans-more-likely-not-back-church-england-cond |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=yougov.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> This differs from secular society in most western democracies, which considers homosexuality to be a normal human variation, and affirms this in law.

Some Anglicans may choose to identify as "gay", "lesbian", "bisexual", "LGBT+", or "same-sex attracted", or in other ways, depending on their personal beliefs and identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title="We Won": Gay Triumphalism in the Anglican Communion, Part One |url=https://earthandaltarmag.com/posts/twwei68x3gv7kaq57u44qckokryhps |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Earth and Altar |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=The General Synod of the Church of Ireland |date=January 2016 |title=Guide to the Conversation on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief |url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/Information/Resources/SelComm/Guide_Jan16.pdf |access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>

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*** If they must renounce [[same-sex relationships]] in order to be considered members in good standing

** If they must be [[celibate]]

** If same-sex unions (such as [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnerships]] or [[Civilcivil marriage|civil marriages]]s) of [[LGBTLGBTQ]] members should be blessed

** If a church, or any church in the communion, should conduct same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Diocese of |title=Clergy should have the freedom to bless and marry same-sex couples, says +Oxford - |website=Diocese of Oxford |url=https://www.oxford.anglican.org/same-sex-marriage-in-cofe.php#:~:text=Prayer%20&%20scripture-,Clergy%20should%20have%20the%20freedom%20to%20bless%20and%20marry%20same,couples,%20says%20Bishop%20of%20Oxford. |access-date=2023-12-15August 17, 2024 |websitelanguage=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103130319/https://www.oxford.anglican.org/same-sex-marriage-in-cofe.php |languagearchive-date=enNovember 3, 2022}}</ref>

* Gay, lesbian, bisexual, LGBT+, or same-sex attracted clergy

** If they may be openly authentic regarding their sexual orientation

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* The bishops of the Anglican Communion in 1998 upheld the traditional [[Christianity|Christian]] teaching that [[marriage]] is between a man and a woman and that those who are not called to marriage so defined should remain celibate. A resolution was passed stating that "homosexual acts" are "incompatible with [[Scripture]]" by a vote of 526–70;<ref>David Skidmore, 7 August 1998, [http://www.lambethconference.org/1998/news/lc098.cfm Lambeth Conference 1998 Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728181157/http://www.lambethconference.org/1998/news/lc098.cfm |date=28 July 2012 }}. Retrieved 2007-04-12.</ref> however, it also contained a statement which "calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals, violence within marriage and any trivialisation and commercialisation of sex," and noted importantly: "We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ." The Lambeth Conference is "not an executive which imposes doctrine or discipline but it is a forum where the mind of the Communion can be expressed on matters of controversy".<ref>Site of The Archbishop of Canterbury, [http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/pages/lambeth-conference.html Lambeth Conference] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210203358/http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/pages/lambeth-conference.html |date=10 February 2012 }}</ref> Over 100 bishops, including some who voted in favour of the resolution, immediately repudiated it and signed a letter of apology to gay and lesbian Anglicans. However, over 80% of the bishops did not do so.

* In 2002, the [[Anglican Church of Canada]], the [[Anglican Diocese of New Westminster|Diocese of New Westminster]] voted to allow the blessing and officiation of same-sex unions and marriages by those parishes who choose to do so.

* In 2003, two openly gay men in England and the United States were nominated to be bishops.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-08-03 |title=2003: Anglican church approves gay bishop |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/august/3/newsid_3909000/3909559.stm |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Jeffrey John]], an openly gay priest in a celibate same-sex relationship, was nominated to be Bishop of Reading, but withdrew his nomination under pressure from conservatives.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/10/17/anglican.split/index.html |title=U.S. Anglican leader: Gay bishop rift deepening |date=October 17, 2003 |website=CNN |access-date=August 17, 2024 }}</ref> [[Gene Robinson]] was consecrated the Bishop of the [[Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire|Diocese of New Hampshire]] and became the first openly gay and non-celibate bishop in the Anglican Communion, sparking controversy and causing some churches to impair communion with The Episcopal Church.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodstein |first=Laurie |date=2003-11-03 |title=OPENLY GAY MAN IS MADE A BISHOP |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/03/us/openly-gay-man-is-made-a-bishop.html |access-date=2024-06-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

* The Church of England affirmed in 2005 that lay members who have entered into civil partnerships with persons of the same sex are still eligible for the [[sacrament]]s of [[baptism]], [[confirmation]], and [[Communion (Christian)|communion]].<ref name="Pastoral_statement">Church of England News, 25 July 2005.[http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2005/07/pr5605.aspx House of Bishops issues pastoral statement on Civil Partnerships] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829001755/http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2005/07/pr5605.aspx |date=29 August 2011 }}. Retrieved 2007-07-18.</ref>

* Also in 2005, the Church of England permitted priests to register a same-sex civil partnership provided they expect to be asked to follow the House of Bishops guidelines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=2013-01-04|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-11-02|archive-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925012956/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|url-status=live}}</ref>

* The Church of Nigeria and the [[Church of Uganda]] criticised the Church of England for allowing same-sex civil partnerships.<ref name="christiantoday">{{Cite web |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/africa.anglicans.criticise.church.of.england.over.new.direction.on.homosexuals/3913.htm |title=Africa Anglicans Criticise Church of England Over New Direction on Homosexuals {{!}} |website=Christian NewsToday on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=9 September 2005 |access-date=2016-11-02August 17, 2024 |archive-date=4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104015856/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/africa.anglicans.criticise.church.of.england.over.new.direction.on.homosexuals/3913.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

* The [[Church of Nigeria|Anglican Church of Nigeria]] issued a statement in 2006 affirming "our commitment to the total rejection of the evil of homosexuality which is a perversion of human dignity and encourages the National Assembly to ratify the Bill prohibiting the legality of homosexuality".<ref name="Message2nation" />

* [[Sexual orientation]], specifically the [[consecration]] of [[Gene Robinson]], was a major issue at the 2008 [[Lambeth Conferences|Lambeth Conference]]. A group of [[conservative]] bishops opposed to the ordination and marriage of same-sex attracted people, including many from the "[[Global South (Anglican)|global south]]", gathered in June 2008 at the [[Global Anglican Future Conference]].

* In 2013, in the Church of England, "The House [of Bishops] has confirmed that clergy in civil partnerships, and living in accordance with the teaching of the Church on human sexuality, can be considered as candidates for the episcopate."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2013/01/statement-regarding-clergy-in-a-civil-partnership-as-candidates-for-the-episcopate.aspx|title=Church of England News: Statement Regarding Clergy in a Civil Partnership as Candidates for the Episcopate|newspaper=Church of England News|access-date=2016-11-16|archive-date=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117063208/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2013/01/statement-regarding-clergy-in-a-civil-partnership-as-candidates-for-the-episcopate.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

* In 2016, it was made public that the Church of England had consecrated [[Nicholas Chamberlain]], [[Bishop suffragan of Grantham]], knowing he was gay and in a long-term same-sex relationship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37257005|title=CofE Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain reveals he is in gay relationship|date=2016-09-03|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2016-11-16|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628025355/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37257005|url-status=live}}</ref> Chamberlain, who is a suffragan bishop of the [[Diocese of Lincoln]], is the first Anglican bishop in England to come out as gay.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship |last=correspondentSherwood |first=Harriet Sherwood Religion|date=2016-09-02|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-11-16|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425151130/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Global Anglican Future Conference|GAFCON]], an association of conservative Anglican churches, called the appointment of the first openly gay bishop in England a "major error".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37267148|title=Gay bishop: Appointment of Nicholas Chamberlain 'major error' says Gafcon|date=2016-09-03|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2016-11-16|archive-date=27 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827103805/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-37267148|url-status=live}}</ref>

* The Church of England rebuked [[Global Anglican Future Conference|GAFCON]] and "pointed out clergy were allowed to enter civil partnerships and could offer prayers of support for same-sex couples".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.issues.fierce.rebuke.to.conservative.body.gafcon/101771.htm |title=Church of England Issues Fierce Rebuke To Conservative Body GAFCON {{!}}|last=Farley Christian News on|first=Harry |website=Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com |date=23 November 2016 |access-date=2016-11-25August 17, 2024 |archive-date=25 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125124827/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.issues.fierce.rebuke.to.conservative.body.gafcon/101771.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

* In April 2017, GAFCON announced that it is appointing a missionary bishop "for conservative Christians in Europe, bypassing Anglican Churches in England and Scotland".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/challenge.to.cofe.as.gafcon.anglicans.appoint.missionary.bishop/108147.htm |title=Challenge to CofE as GAFCON Anglicans appoint 'missionary bishop' {{!}}|last=Woods Christian News on|first=Mark |website=Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com |date=30 April 2017 |access-date=2017-05-02August 17, 2024 |archive-date=30 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430125330/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/challenge.to.cofe.as.gafcon.anglicans.appoint.missionary.bishop/108147.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

*In 2022 at the Lambeth Conference 175 bishops signed a statement affirming the holiness of committed love of same-gender couples.

*In February 2023, the Archbishop's Council of [[Church of England]] allowed blessing ceremony for same-sex couples.<ref name="skynoffer">[https://news.sky.com/story/church-of-england-votes-to-offer-blessings-to-same-sex-couples-12806807 News sky: Church of England votes to offer blessings to same-sex couples] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209185727/https://news.sky.com/story/church-of-england-votes-to-offer-blessings-to-same-sex-couples-12806807 |date=9 February 2023 }}, 9 February 2023</ref><ref name="bbc.com">[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64581421 BBC.com: Church of England backs plans to bless gay couples] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209185727/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64581421 |date=9 February 2023 }}, 9 February 2023</ref> As a consequence, archbishops from 10 of the 42 provinces of the global Anglican Communion (South Sudan, Chile, the Indian Ocean, Congo, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Uganda, Sudan, Alexandria and Melanesia) declared they no longer recognize the leadership of the archbishop of Canterbury.<ref name="abcreject">{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/anglican-bishops-reject-leader-welby-gay-marriage-97337650|title=Some Anglican bishops reject leader Welby over gay marriage|website=abcnews.go.comABC News|access-date=2023-02-21|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221224952/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/anglican-bishops-reject-leader-welby-gay-marriage-97337650|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Bishops==

Line 60 ⟶ 62:

===1973 Archbishop of York’s statement===

While serving as [[Donald Coggan]], Archbishop of York, declared on [[BBC]] radio in 1973 that many Anglican clergymen were homosexuals. "We must treat them," he proclaimed, "with great sympathy and understanding."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/archive/a-quiet-man-succeeds-to-canterburys-ancient-seat-vol-2-no-23/|title=A Quiet Man Succeeds to Canterbury's Ancient Seat|website=PEOPLE.com|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122094624/https://people.com/archive/a-quiet-man-succeeds-to-canterburys-ancient-seat-vol-2-no-23/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1998 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops===

{{main|Lambeth Conference#Thirteenth: 1998}}

Regarding "human sexuality", the 1998 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops said that it upholds "faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union, and believes that abstinence is right for those who are not called to marriage". Furthermore, it refused to "advise the legitimising or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions".<ref>1998{{cite Lambeth Conference, Resolution 1.10, "Human Sexuality", Online atweb |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/document-library/lambeth-conference/1998/section-i-called-to-full-humanity/section-i10-human-sexuality?author=Lambeth+Conference&year=1998 {{Webarchive|title=1998 Lambeth Conference, Resolution 1.10, "Human Sexuality" |publisher=Anglican Communion |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621082244/http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/document-library/lambeth-conference/1998/section-i-called-to-full-humanity/section-i10-human-sexuality?author=Lambeth+Conference&year=1998 |archive-date=21 June 2017 }}.</ref> The vote was 526–70.<ref>Robert W. Prichard, ''A History of the Episcopal Church'' (Morehouse 3rd rev ed, 2014), p. 402.</ref>

===1999 Cambridge Accord===

Line 107 ⟶ 109:

===2005 Primates' Meeting===

In February 2005, the [[Primates in the Anglican Communion|Primates of the Anglican Communion]] held a [[Anglican Communion Primates' Meeting|regular meeting]] at Dromantine in [[Northern Ireland]] at which sexual orientation was heavily discussed. Of the 38 Primates, 35 attended. The Primates issued a communiqué that reiterated most of the Windsor Report's statements, but added a new twist. Both the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] and the [[Anglican Church of Canada]] were asked to voluntarily withdraw from the [[Anglican Consultative Council]], the main formal international entity within the [[Anglican Communion]] until the next [[Lambeth Conference]] in 2008.<ref>"{{cite web |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/68387/communique-_english.pdf |title=The Anglican Communion The Primates' Meeting, February 2005 Communiqué," Sec|date=February 14,2005 |pages=3–4. Online|access-date=August at17, http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/68387/communique-_english.pdf2024 {{Webarchive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106170534/http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/68387/communique-_english.pdf? |archive-date=6 November 2015 }}.</ref>

===2007 Primates' Meeting===

The "Communiqué of the Primates' Meeting, February 2007" (Sec 17, 4) asserted its "belief that The Episcopal Church has departed from the standard of teaching on human sexuality accepted by the Communion in the 1998 Lambeth Resolution 1.10 by consenting to the episcopal election of a candidate living in a committed same-sex relationship, and by permitting Rites of Blessing for same-sex unions. The episcopal ministry of a person living in a same-sex relationship is not acceptable to the majority of the Communion."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.anglicancommunionanglicannews.org/500.html?aspxerrorpath=news/media2007/6839302/communique2007_english.pdfaco-primates-meeting-communique.aspx |title=AnglicanACO: CommunionPrimates –Meeting Communique |date=February Page19, temporarily2007 unavailable|website=www.anglicancommunion.orgAnglican Communion News Service |access-date=21August January17, 2019|archive-date=302024}}</ref><ref>{{cite Mayweb 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530020640/https://www.anglicancommunionthetimes.orgcom/500.html?aspxerrorpath=article/media/68393/communique2007_english.pdf.church-deadline-to-curb-gay-rights-3grlz0wzrxg |urltitle=Church deadline to curb gay rights |last=Gledhill |first=Ruth |date=February 20, 2007 |website=The Times |access-statusdate=liveAugust 17, 2024}}</ref>

=== Consecration of Mary Douglas Glasspool ===

In December 2009, the [[Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles|Diocese of Los Angeles]] elected [[Mary Douglas Glasspool]], a lesbian priest with a female partner as a [[suffragan bishop]]. She was consecrated on 15 May 2010.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=A Traditionalist Who Shakes Tradition|author=Lisa Miller|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/236478|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=27 April 2010|archive-date=20 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420195351/http://www.newsweek.com/id/236478|url-status=live}}</ref> Leaders from 20 Anglican provinces meeting in [[Singapore]] in April 2010 declared that the election and intended consecration of Glasspool "demonstrated, yet again, a total disregard for the mind of the Communion".<ref>Bill{{cite Bowder, "Trumpet blast from the Global South," ''Church Times'', 21 April 2010. Online atweb |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2010/23-april/news/trumpet-blast-from-the-global-south. {{Webarchive|first=Bill |last=Bowder |title=Trumpet blast from the Global South |website=Church Times |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013175129/http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2010/23-april/news/trumpet-blast-from-the-global-south |archive-date=13 October 2012 }}</ref>

===2016 Primates' Meeting===

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=== Lambeth 2022 ===

In preparation of the Lambeth 2020 conference (the conference would be eventually delayed to 2022), Welby and [[Josiah Idowu-Fearon]] ([[Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council]]) announced that bishops in same-sex marriages and partnerships would be invited to Lambeth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hellen |first=Nicholas |date=2019-02-16 |title=Married gay bishops told: don't bring your spouse to Anglican conference |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/married-gay-bishops-told-dont-bring-your-spouse-to-anglican-conference-fhhgfbm3s |access-date=2019-03-06 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218143249/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/married-gay-bishops-told-dont-bring-your-spouse-to-anglican-conference-fhhgfbm3s |url-status=live }}</ref> This was the first time that bishops in same-sex partnerships were invited.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/22-february/news/uk/same-sex-spouses-not-invited-to-lambeth-2020 |title=Same-sex spouses not invited to Lambeth 2020 |last=Becket |first=Adaam |date=February 22, 2019 |website=www.churchtimes.co.ukChurch Times |access-date=2019-03-06August 17, 2024 |archive-date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228124339/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/22-february/news/uk/same-sex-spouses-not-invited-to-lambeth-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of the invitations, there were Anglican bishops in a same-sex marriage or partnership in Canada, England, and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/02/17/anglicans-ban-same-sex-spouses-lambeth-conference/ |title=Anglicans bar same-sex spouses from Lambeth Conference ·|last=Duffy |first=Nick PinkNews|website=www.pinknews.co.ukPinkNews |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=2019-03-06August 17, 2024 |archive-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218143901/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/02/17/anglicans-ban-same-sex-spouses-lambeth-conference/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the spouses and partners of the bishops were not invited in an effort to compromise with bishops from more traditionalist or conservative provinces, and the organising archbishops explained that this was, in part, because the majority of Anglican provinces only recognise marriages between a man and a woman and do not recognise same-sex unions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-lgbt-church-idUSKCN1Q71L3|title=Anglican Church slammed for excluding same-sex spouses from 2020...|date=2019-02-18|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-03-06|archive-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219075021/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-lgbt-church-idUSKCN1Q71L3|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, The Episcopal Church and bishops from Canada and the UK publicly disagreed with the decision.<ref name="religionnews">{{Cite web|url=https://religionnews.com/2019/03/01/episcopal-bishops-object-to-same-sex-spouses-disinvitation-to-global-conference/|title=Episcopal bishops object to same-sex spouses' disinvitation to global conference|date=2019-03-01|website=Religion News Service|access-date=2019-03-06|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302003907/https://religionnews.com/2019/03/01/episcopal-bishops-object-to-same-sex-spouses-disinvitation-to-global-conference/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other side, bishops from more conservative Anglican provinces threatened to boycott Lambeth 2020 over the inclusion of married and partnered gay and lesbian bishops, and the bishops from Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda will not be in attendance.<ref name="religionnews"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Come-and-express-your-difference-Archbishop-urges-Anglicans-against-Lambeth-Conference-boycott|title='Come and express your difference', Archbishop urges Anglicans against Lambeth Conference boycott|last=Premier|date=2019-02-10|website=Premier|access-date=2019-03-06|archive-date=10 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210165214/https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Come-and-express-your-difference-Archbishop-urges-Anglicans-against-Lambeth-Conference-boycott|url-status=live}}</ref> GAFCON argued that "same-sex partnered bishops" should not be included and that, instead, traditionalist bishops should be invited.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gafcon.org/news/lambeth-2020-descends-into-confusion |title=Lambeth 2020 Descends into Confusion {{!}}|date=February 19, 2019 GAFCON|website=www.gafcon.orgGAFCON |access-date=2019-03-06August 17, 2024 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803143245/https://www.gafcon.org/news/lambeth-2020-descends-into-confusion|url-status=live}}</ref> Finally, at [[Fifteenth Lambeth Conference|Lambeth 2022]], 175 bishops and primates signed a statement affirming the holiness of the love of all same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://opentable.lgbt/our-news/2022/8/3/otn-patron-signs-statement-from-anglican-bishops-to-affirm-and-celebrate-lgbt-people | title=OTN Patron signs statement from Anglican bishops to affirm and celebrate LGBT+ people | date=3 August 2022 | access-date=27 August 2022 | archive-date=27 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827175513/https://opentable.lgbt/our-news/2022/8/3/otn-patron-signs-statement-from-anglican-bishops-to-affirm-and-celebrate-lgbt-people | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== February 2023: Archbishops’General CouncilSynod of Church of England ===

In February 2023, the Archbishops’General CouncilSynod of [[Church of England]] allowedvoted blessingto ceremonyapprove of blessings for same-sex marriagescouples following a civil marriage or civil partnership.<ref name="skynoffer"/><ref name="bbc.com"/>

==Differing stances==

Line 139 ⟶ 141:

===Church of England===

{{further|Church of England}}

The Church of England has been discussing human sexuality, same-sex unions, and marriage.<ref name="proposes">{{Cite news |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128 |title=Church of England proposes celebrating gay marriage |authordate=ReutersNovember 28, 2013 Editorial|work=U.K.Reuters |access-date=2017-12-04|archive-date=7August October15, 2024 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170308/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128 |urlarchive-statusdate=live7 October 2017}}</ref> TheIn church2023, hasthe announcedHouse plansof to discuss the issueBishops and toGeneral decideSynod whetherapproved toof allowblessings priests to bless or performfor same-sex marriagescouples infollowing 2022a atcivil Generalpartnership Synodor civil marriage.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=20202023-1102-09 |title=Church of England couldvotes rethinkin stancefavour onof LGBTQ+blessings issuesfor by 2022|language=ensame-GB|work=Thesex unions Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/20202023/novfeb/09/church-of-england-couldvotes-rethinkin-stancefavour-onof-lgbtqblessings-issuesfor-bysame-2022sex-unions |access-date=20202024-1106-1404 |issnwork=0261-3077|archive-date=14The NovemberGuardian 2020|archive-urllanguage=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114082740/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/09/churchen-of-england-could-rethink-stance-on-lgbtq-issues-by-2022GB |urlissn=0261-status=live3077}}</ref> The commended prayers to bless same-sex couples, "Prayers of Love and Faith," may be used during regular church services while "standalone" services of blessing will require additional steps for approval.<ref>{{Cite news |last=CorrespondentSherwood |first=KayaHarriet Burgess, Religious|date=2023-11-15 Affairs|title=Church of England tobacks rethinkplans for trial blessings of same-sex marriage|newspaper=[[Theweddings Times]]|language=en|url=https://www.thetimestheguardian.co.ukcom/articleworld/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-tobacks-rethinkplans-sexfor-sexualityblessings-marriageof-andsame-gendersex-sb0hdt7xtweddings |access-date=20202024-1106-1404 |issnwork=0140The Guardian |language=en-0460GB |archiveissn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=142023-11-15 November|title=Church of England backs services for gay couples 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114054752/https://www.thetimes.cobbc.ukcom/articlenews/churchuk-of67432854 |access-england-todate=2024-rethink06-sex-sexuality-marriage-and-gender-sb0hdt7xt04 |url-statuslanguage=liveen-GB}}</ref> In December 2023, the first blessings approved for use during a regular church service took place.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Swerling|first=Gabriellaweb |date=20202023-1112-0917 |title=Church of England couldblesses holdsame-sex historiccouples votefor onthe gayfirst marriagetime, but they still can't wed in 2022|language=en-GB|work=Thechurch Telegraph|url=https://wwwapnews.telegraph.co.ukcom/news/2020/11/09article/church-of-england-couldsame-holdsex-historicblessings-vote-gay-marriage-2022/518f273db2a5c16cd44798b005f1ecca |access-date=20202024-1106-1404 |issnwebsite=0307-1235AP News |archive-datelanguage=10en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Novemberweb 2020|archivedate=2023-12-19 |title=Same-sex couples receive blessings for first time in Church of England |url=https://web.archiveepiscopalnewsservice.org/web2023/2020111001064612/https:18//www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/11/09/churchsame-englandsex-couldcouples-holdreceive-historicblessings-votefor-gayfirst-marriagetime-2022in-church-of-england/ |urlaccess-statusdate=live2024-06-04 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Canon law of the Church of England|canons]] of the Church of England currently state that "marriage is in its nature a union permanent and lifelong... of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side", and consequently teaches that [[Marriage in Christianity|Holy Matrimony]] can only be between one man and one woman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Section B |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/legal-services/canons-church-england/section-b |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=The Church of England |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38768217|title=Church 'should keep gay marriage stance'|date=2017|work=BBC News|access-date=2017-12-04|archive-date=27 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827141642/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38768217|url-status=live}}</ref> The Church of England has also maintained the position that it supports celibate same-sex relationships including [[civil partnership]]. "We believe that Civil Partnerships still have a place, including for some Christian LGBTI couples who see them as a way of gaining legal recognition of their relationship."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Keep-civil-partnerships-Church-of-England-urges-Government|title=Keep civil partnerships, Church of England urges Government – Premier|last=Premier|date=2018-05-18|work=Premier|access-date=2018-05-20|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520123952/https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Keep-civil-partnerships-Church-of-England-urges-Government|url-status=live}}</ref> The House of Bishops and Archbishop's Council communicated that "The Church of England recognises that same-sex relationships often embody fidelity and mutuality. Civil partnerships enable these Christian virtues to be recognised socially and legally in a proper framework."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church-of-england-says-civil-partnerships-should-not-be-abolished-following-gay-marriage-legalisation/36731.htm |title=Church of England says civil partnerships should not be abolished following gay marriage legalisation |last=Trimmer |first=Michael |website=www.christiantoday.comChristian Today |date=11 April 2014 |access-date=2017-12-04August 17, 2024 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027231755/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church-of-england-says-civil-partnerships-should-not-be-abolished-following-gay-marriage-legalisation/36731.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> A spokesperson for the Church of England, has reiterated that "the church has no truck with homophobia and even supports clergy who are in civil partnerships...(But) the Church of England's doctrine on marriage is [that it is between a man and a woman]."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.supports.gay.clergy.amid.discrimination.suit/56828.htm |title=Church of England supports gay clergy amid discrimination suit |last=Ribaya |first=Rio |website=www.christiantoday.comChristian Today |date=22 June 2015 |access-date=2017-12-04August 17, 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120528/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.supports.gay.clergy.amid.discrimination.suit/56828.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The current position, stated in 2014, of the House of Bishops is that it is not "willing for those who are in a same-sex marriage to be ordained to any of the three orders of ministry".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Francis |date=27 September 2022 |title=Hereford bar on Canon Tutu van Furth over marital status sparks widespread reaction |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/30-september/news/uk/hereford-bar-on-canon-tutu-van-furth-over-marital-status-sparks-widespread-reaction |access-last=Martin |first=Francis |date=2022-09-27 September 2022 |title=Hereford bar on Canon Tutu van Furth over marital status sparks widespread reaction |website=www.churchtimes.co.ukChurch Times |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927172324/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/30-september/news/uk/hereford-bar-on-canon-tutu-van-furth-over-marital-status-sparks-widespread-reaction |url-status=live }}</ref> At General Synod in July 2019, the church announced that same-gender couples may remain and be recognised as married when one spouse experiences [[Transitioning (transgender)|gender transition]] provided that the spouses identified as [[Opposite-Gender sexual practices|opposite genders]] at the time of the marriage.<ref name="Religious Affairs Correspondent"/><ref name="Swerling"/>

==== Before 2000 ====

Line 149 ⟶ 151:

==== 2000–2009 ====

The issue of human sexuality erupted when [[Jeffrey John]], an openly gay priest, was elected area [[Bishop of Reading]] in May 2003. Before he could take up his post there was strong opposition from a minority of [[bishop]]s and he was persuaded to not proceed with the appointment. However, many senior bishops{{who|date=April 2016}} have voiced disappointment at his decision to resign. Later in 2004 he was installed as [[Dean of St Albans]]. Further controversy erupted when churches in the [[Diocese of St Albans]] decided that they would withhold contributions until further notice to protest this appointment. St. Peter and Paul's Church in Cranfield, near [[Bedford]], and [[Holy Trinity]] Church in [[New Barnet]], north of [[Greater London]], pledged to withhold money from diocesan funds in protest. [[St Andrew]]'s Church in the [[Hertfordshire]] town of [[Chorleywood]] also announced that it would withhold funds until further notice. Yet, in 2002, reporters confirmed that hundreds of same-sex blessings occur, although unofficially, every year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1410695/Vicars-bless-hundreds-of-gay-couples-a-year.html|title=Vicars bless hundreds of gay couples a year|last=Bisset|first=By Chris Hastings, Fiona Govan and Susan|website=The Telegraph.co.uk|date=20 October 2002 |access-date=2016-05-23|archive-date=21 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521002837/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1410695/Vicars-bless-hundreds-of-gay-couples-a-year.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004, "the majority of Bishops who voted during the whole passage of the Civil Partnerships Act through [the] Lordships' House were in favour of civil partnerships."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5069/archbishop-justins-speech-to-the-lords-on-the-governments-gay-marriage-bill|title=Archbishop Justin's speech to the Lords on the government's gay marriage Bill|access-date=2016-12-04|archive-date=3 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203120907/http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5069/archbishop-justins-speech-to-the-lords-on-the-governments-gay-marriage-bill|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight bishops voted in favour of civil unions and two voted against the passage of the Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1472983/cptimeline.doc|title=The Lords Spiritual and Civil Partnership Legislation|date=2004|website=www.churchofengland.org|publisher=Church of England|access-date=2016-12-04|archive-date=26 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326122831/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1472983/cptimeline.doc|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Line 155 ⟶ 157:

On 25 July 2005, the House of Bishops issued a pastoral statement on the "implications of the [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|Civil Partnerships]]" which came into force on 5 December 2005. The statement reaffirmed "the Church's teaching on both marriage and sexual intercourse". It also noted that "the new legislation makes no change to the law in relation to marriage".<ref name="churchofengland.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre|title=Media Centre|website=The Church of England|access-date=21 January 2019|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306201457/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2013/10/final-list-of-female-representatives-to-house-of-bishops.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The statement went on to say that "clergy of the Church of England should not provide services of blessing for those who register a civil partnership". However, it said that if clergy are "approached by people asking for prayer in relation to entering into a civil partnership," they should "respond pastorally and sensitively". Regarding clergy themselves, "entering into a civil partnership" was not considered "intrinsically incompatible with holy orders, provided the person concerned is willing to give assurances to his or her bishop that the relationship is consistent with the standards for the clergy set out in ''Issues in Human Sexuality'' (House of Bishops, December 1991)."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media/445118/humansexualitych5.pdf ''Issues in Human Sexuality'' (House of Bishops, December 1991).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328032625/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/445118/humansexualitych5.pdf |date=28 March 2016 }}</ref> "The House of Bishops considers it would be a matter of social injustice to exclude from ministry those who are faithful to the teaching of the Church, and who decide to register a civil partnership."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2005/07/pr5605.aspx|title=Church of England News: House of Bishops issues pastoral statement on Civil Partnerships|work=Church of England News|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806223546/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2005/07/pr5605.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the statement said that "lay people who have registered civil partnerships ought not to be asked to give assurances about the nature of their relationship before being admitted to baptism, confirmation and communion."<ref name="churchofengland.org" />

On 21 December 2005, in another controversial act which was contrary to the House of Bishops' pastoral statement, David Jenkins, former Bishop of Durham, offered a blessing for a vicar who had entered into a same-sex partnership.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1506074/Church-blessing-for-homosexual-vicar.html|title=Church blessing for homosexual vicar|lastauthor=Correspondent<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|first=By Jonathan Petre, Religion|website=The Telegraph.co.uk|date=22 December 2005 |access-date=2016-04-07|archive-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203135144/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1506074/Church-blessing-for-homosexual-vicar.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2007, the [[General Synod of the Church of England]] adopted a motion. In part it read that nothing should be done "that could be perceived as the Church of England qualifying its commitment to the entirety of the relevant Lambeth Conference Resolutions".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/our-views/marriage,-family-and-sexuality-issues/human-sexuality/lesbian-and-gay-christians,-general-synod-debate-2007.aspx|title=Lesbian and Gay Christians Synod Debate|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828183141/https://www.churchofengland.org/our-views/marriage,-family-and-sexuality-issues/human-sexuality/lesbian-and-gay-christians,-general-synod-debate-2007.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> At Lambeth Conference 1998, homosexuality was that the most hotly debated issue. Its Resolution 1.10 stated in an amendment passed by a vote of 389–190 that "homosexual practice" is "incompatible with Scripture".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/76650/1998.pdf|title=Resolutions Archive from 1998|access-date=28 July 2016|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325092135/http://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/76650/1998.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, in spite of the action by the General Synod, St Bartholomew's Church in London offered a rite of blessing for two priests entering into a same-sex civil partnership.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wynne-Jones|first1=Jonathan|title=Male priests marry in Anglican church's first gay 'wedding'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2130668/Male-priests-marry-in-Anglican-churchs-first-gay-wedding.html|website=telegraph.co.ukThe Telegraph|date=14 June 2008 |publisher=Telegraph UK|access-date=2016-04-12|archive-date=12 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112190756/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2130668/Male-priests-marry-in-Anglican-churchs-first-gay-wedding.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, other dioceses and parishes supported the inclusion of gay and lesbian priests. In 2008, the Diocese of London provided guidelines saying "clergy{{nbsp}}[...] may use a form of service they consider suitable in respect of a civil partnership."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Seed|first1=Nigel|title=Church Services After A Civil Partnership|url=http://inclusive-church.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/Chancellor%20Nigel%20Seed%20Guidance.pdf|website=inclusive-church.org.uk|publisher=Diocese of London|access-date=2016-04-25|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508223905/http://inclusive-church.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/Chancellor%20Nigel%20Seed%20Guidance.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In London, some churches "[offer] dedication services to civil partners" as allowed within those guidelines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9853688/Gay-marriage-priests-to-defy-Church-line-with-same-sex-services.html|title=Gay marriage: priests to defy Church line with same-sex services|newspaper=The Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=2016-12-27|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224706/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9853688/Gay-marriage-priests-to-defy-Church-line-with-same-sex-services.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2010–2014 ====

Line 166 ⟶ 168:

In January 2012, the House of Bishops of the Church of England commissioned a Working Group on Human Sexuality. The working group included [[Joseph Pilling]] chairman, four bishops and three advisers.<ref name="churchofengland.org" /> Also in 2012, [[John Sentamu]], Archbishop of York, said he sees marriage as heterosexual, but that "[civil partnerships] are in every respect in ethical terms an honourable contract of a committed relationship."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/2481/a-response-on-marriage-and-civil-partnerships|title=A Response on Marriage and Civil Partnerships|website=www.archbishopofyork.org|access-date=2017-06-01|archive-date=1 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401052247/http://www.archbishopofyork.org/articles.php/2481/a-response-on-marriage-and-civil-partnerships|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2012, David Ison, [[Dean of St Paul's]], announced his support for same-sex marriage and said that he had officiated at blessings or prayer services for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9130171/Dr-David-Ison-new-Dean-of-St-Paul-backs-gay-marriage.html|title=Dr David Ison, new Dean of St Paul, backs gay marriage|website=The Telegraph.co.uk|date=9 March 2012 |access-date=2016-04-23|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118100534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9130171/Dr-David-Ison-new-Dean-of-St-Paul-backs-gay-marriage.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Changing Attitude UK, an affirming group of clergy, laity, and churches within the Church of England, provides a list of prayer services allowed including a "Service of Celebration following a Civil Partnership".<ref>{{cite web|title=A Service of Celebration following a Civil Partnership|url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/resources/services-of-blessing-for-same-sex-relationships/a-service-of-celebration-following-a-civil-partnership|website=changingattitude.org.uk|publisher=Changing Attitude|access-date=2016-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508125339/http://changingattitude.org.uk/resources/services-of-blessing-for-same-sex-relationships/a-service-of-celebration-following-a-civil-partnership|archive-date=2012-05-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Colin Fletcher (bishop)|Colin Fletcher]], Acting [[Bishop of Oxford]], gave permission for at least one same-sex celebration to be officiated by a Church of England priest who presided for the high-profile ceremony for [[Mpho Tutu]] and her partner.<ref name="anglican">{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglican.ink/article/same-sex-ceremony-conducted-oxford-bishops-permission|title=Same-sex ceremony conducted with Oxford bishop's permission {{!}} Anglican Ink 2016 ©|website=www.anglican.ink|access-date=2016-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527075438/http://www.anglican.ink/article/same-sex-ceremony-conducted-oxford-bishops-permission|archive-date=2016-05-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/23/desmond-tutus-reverend-daughter-marries-a-woman-and-loses-church/|title=Desmond Tutu's reverend daughter marries a woman and loses church licence|website=The Telegraph|date=23 May 2016|access-date=2016-05-24|last1=Laing|first1=Aislinn|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226044532/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/23/desmond-tutus-reverend-daughter-marries-a-woman-and-loses-church/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Diocese of Southwark is another example of offering inclusive services as its cathedral says that "Same sex couples are welcome to approach the clergy with regard to preparation and prayers when entering a Civil Partnership and for continuing support and counsel within their relationship ... Couples approaching the clergy should receive a warm welcome and affirmation".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/worship/Weddings,Baptisms&Funerals|title=Weddings, Baptisms & Funerals – Worship – Southwark Cathedral|website=cathedral.southwark.anglican.org|access-date=2016-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518133613/http://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/worship/Weddings%2CBaptisms%26Funerals|archive-date=2016-05-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2017, the Southwark Cathedral hosted a celebration for a same-sex civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://anglicanmainstream.org/celebration-of-lesbian-civil-partnership-at-southwark-cathedral/|title=Celebration of lesbian civil partnership at Southwark Cathedral {{!}} Anglican Mainstream|website=anglicanmainstream.org|date=18 July 2017|access-date=2017-09-23|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924045653/http://anglicanmainstream.org/celebration-of-lesbian-civil-partnership-at-southwark-cathedral/|url-status=live}}</ref> York Minster Cathedral also welcomes same-sex couples in civil partnerships for prayer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yorkminster.org/worship-and-choir/same-sex-relationships-and-civil-partnerships.html|title=Same sex relationships and Civil Partnerships – York Minster|website=yorkminster.org|access-date=2016-06-29|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817174552/https://yorkminster.org/worship-and-choir/same-sex-relationships-and-civil-partnerships.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2013, the House of Bishops ruled that priests in same-sex civil partnerships could be consecrated as bishops.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Peter |date=2013-01-04 |title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops |access-date=2016-10-30 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925012956/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2013, the Church of England's Faith and Order Commission, in a missive to clergy, also communicated that "there was a need for committed same-sex couples to be given recognition and 'compassionate attention' from the Church, including special prayers."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html|title=Church of England gives blessing to recognising civil partnerships|newspaper=The Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=2016-10-24|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019193129/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A spokesperson for the church also stated that "The church has no truck with homophobia and even supports clergy who are in civil partnerships&nbsp;..."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.supports.gay.clergy.amid.discrimination.suit/56828.htm|title=Church of England supports gay clergy amid discrimination suit {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=22 June 2015 |access-date=2016-12-24|archive-date=25 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225000018/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.supports.gay.clergy.amid.discrimination.suit/56828.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2013, the Report of the Working Group on Human Sexuality (nicknamed the Pilling Report) was published. It said that the Church should "stand firmly" against "homophobic attitudes" and should repent "for the lack of welcome and acceptance extended to homosexual people in the past, and to demonstrate the unconditional acceptance and love of God in Christ for all people". The report's key recommendation was "that the church's internal dialogue on the subject of human sexuality might best be addressed through a process of conversations across the church and involving others in the Anglican Communion". This recommendation was endorsed and acted on by the church as recounted later in this section.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2015811/gs%20misc%201083%20-%20shared%20conversations%20on%20sexuality,%20scripture%20and%20mission.pdf|title=Pilling Report Recommends Shared Conversation. Retrieved 2016-06-27|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624222122/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2015811/gs%20misc%201083%20-%20shared%20conversations%20on%20sexuality,%20scripture%20and%20mission.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1891063/pilling_report_gs_1929_web.pdf ''Report of the House of Bishops Working Group on human sexuality''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512110811/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1891063/pilling_report_gs_1929_web.pdf |date=12 May 2016 }}, 2013, 149, 151. Retrieved 2016-06-27.</ref> Also, in 2013, some in the Church of England planned a [[Liturgy|liturgical]] [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessing of gay couples]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2013/11/28/church-england-plans-blessings-gay-couples|title=Church of England Plans Blessings for Gay Couples|work=advocate.com|date=28 November 2013|access-date=1 December 2013|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119080634/https://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2013/11/28/church-england-plans-blessings-gay-couples|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|urlname=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-"proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128|title=Church" of England proposes celebrating gay marriage|author=Reuters Editorial|work=U.K.|access-date=2017-10-01|archive-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002022751/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2014, the College of Bishops<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/general-synod/about-general-synod/house-of-bishops.aspx|title=College of Bishops. Retrieved 28 July 2016. "All serving bishops in the Church of England comprise a body known as the College of Bishops"|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=13 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213102755/http://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/general-synod/about-general-synod/house-of-bishops.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> endorsed the Pilling Report recommendation about process of conversations on the issue of homosexuality.<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2015811/gs%20misc%201083%20-%20shared%20conversations%20on%20sexuality,%20scripture%20and%20mission.pdf College of Bishops Endorse Pilling Report’s Recommendations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624222122/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2015811/gs%20misc%201083%20-%20shared%20conversations%20on%20sexuality,%20scripture%20and%20mission.pdf |date=24 June 2016 }}. Retrieved 2016-06-27.</ref>

Line 185 ⟶ 187:

In April 2014, the Archbishop's Council and House of Bishops asked that the government to continue to offer civil partnerships saying that "The Church of England recognises that same-sex relationships often embody fidelity and mutuality ... Civil partnerships enable these Christian virtues to be recognised socially and legally in a proper framework."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.says.civil.partnerships.should.not.be.abolished.following.gay.marriage.legalisation/36731.htm|title=Church of England says civil partnerships should not be abolished following gay marriage legalisation {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=11 April 2014 |access-date=2016-11-21|archive-date=30 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030143736/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.says.civil.partnerships.should.not.be.abolished.following.gay.marriage.legalisation/36731.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2014, the College of Bishops met for three days. "Two of the days were devoted to the first of a series of shared conversations in the Church of England on Sexuality, Scripture and Mission. As part of the conversations the college shared the different responses being expressed in the life of the church and the deeply held convictions and experiences that inform them."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/09/college-of-bishops-meeting.aspx College of Bishops Meeting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828181033/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/09/college-of-bishops-meeting.aspx |date=28 August 2016 }}, 17 September 2014. Retrieved 2016-07-28.</ref> Also in September 2014, [[Tim Stevens]], [[Bishop of Leicester]], confirmed that a service of thanksgiving for a same-sex civil partnership "does not contravene any Church of England rules".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/09/17/bishop-and-archdeacon-back-gay-priest-in-commitment-ceremony-row/|title=Bishop and Archdeacon back gay priest in commitment ceremony row|work=PinkNews|access-date=2017-04-04|archive-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405075016/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/09/17/bishop-and-archdeacon-back-gay-priest-in-commitment-ceremony-row/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=httphttps://www.leicestermercurychurchtimes.co.uk/archdeaconarticles/2017/17-speaksfebruary/news/uk/retired-unholybishops-rowtake-priesttheir-ssuccessors-service/storyto-22937990task-detail/story.htmlover-sexuality-report |title=ArchdeaconRetired speaksbishops outtake intheir unholysuccessors rowto take over priest'ssexuality servicereport for|last=Davies his|first=Madeleine civil partnership|date=2014-09-17February 13, 2017 |workwebsite=LeicesterChurch Times Mercury|access-date=2017-05-19}}August {{dead17, 2024 link|datearchive-url=December https://web.archive.org/web/20180927123822/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/17-february/news/uk/retired-bishops-take-their-successors-to-task-over-sexuality-report |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fixarchive-attempteddate=yesSeptember 27, 2018}}</ref>

Andrew Cain (now [[Andrew Foreshew-Cain]]), Vicar of St&nbsp;Mary's Church, [[Kilburn, London|Kilburn]] and St&nbsp;James' Church West, in [[North London]] planned to defy the House of Bishops' ban and bless same-sex marriages,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26741447|title=London's Rev Andrew Cain to defy same-sex blessings ban|work=BBC News|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926002336/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-26741447|url-status=live}}</ref> as did a few others.<ref name="Brown27/03/2014"/> Weighing in on the issue, Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, avoided taking a position on blessing same-sex marriages but did endorse civil gay marriages and prayer ceremonies to mark the important occasion for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Swinfird|first1=Steven|title=Archbishop of Canterbury: I would attend my children's same-sex marriage if they were gay|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12043688/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-I-would-attend-my-childrens-same-sex-marriage-if-they-were-gay.html|website=telegraph.co.ukThe Telegraph|date=10 December 2015 |publisher=Telegraph UK|access-date=2016-01-02|archive-date=16 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216080146/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12043688/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-I-would-attend-my-childrens-same-sex-marriage-if-they-were-gay.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Some congregations and clergy, as allowed by the permission for "informal kinds of prayer", such as St John's Church in Waterloo in South London, have begun to invite same-sex couples to receive "services of thanksgiving following a civil marriage ceremony".<ref>{{cite news|title=Weddings: offer services of thanksgiving following a civil marriage ceremony.|url=http://stjohnswaterloo.org/|publisher=St John's at Waterloo|access-date=10 January 2020|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229181140/https://www.stjohnswaterloo.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Same-sex attracted people who are ordained [[deacon#Anglicanism|deacons]], [[priest#Anglican or Episcopalian|priests]] and [[bishop]]s are forbidden to [[Marriage|marry]] someone of the same sex and [[Sexual orientation|same-sex attracted]] people who are married to someone of the same sex are forbidden to be [[Minister (Christianity)|ordained]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26206192|title=Gay couple blessings ruled out by Church of England bishops|work=BBC News|date=15 February 2014|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106065845/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26206192|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ben Bradshaw]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] wanted the position of the Church of England clarified. Specifically, he demanded to know if Church of England [[clergy]] who married a same-sex partner would be disciplined or [[Defrocking#Anglicanism|defrocked]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26759470|title=MP urges Church of England clarity on same-sex marriage priests|work=BBC News|date=27 March 2014|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=29 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329092746/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26759470|url-status=live}}</ref> Gay people, including those in same-sex [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnership]]s, are allowed to become clerics but are expected to remain [[Celibacy|celibate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/20/church-england-accept-gay-clergy|title=Church of England 'must accept actively gay clergy'|author=David Shariatmadari|work=The Guardian|date=20 January 2012|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080010/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/20/church-england-accept-gay-clergy|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' wrote in a 2014 article that [[Ordination of LGBT Christian clergy|gay clergy]] who enter into same-sex marriage or bless same-sex marriages risk being defrocked and losing their jobs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/02/15/church-of-england-gay-marriage_n_4793630.html|title=Church of England Clergy Could Be Defrocked If They Marry Gay Partner|work=The Huffington Post UK|date=15 February 2014|access-date=28 March 2014|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328224718/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/02/15/church-of-england-gay-marriage_n_4793630.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Seven clerics planned to marry regardless, defying their bishops.<ref name="Brown27/03/2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/27/archbishop-of-canterbury-signal-end-c-of-e-resistance-gay-marriage|title=Archbishop of Canterbury signals end of C of E's resistance to gay marriage &#124; Equal marriage|website=The Guardian|date=27 March 2014|access-date=2021-01-23|archive-date=10 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710171648/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/27/archbishop-of-canterbury-signal-end-c-of-e-resistance-gay-marriage|url-status=live}}</ref> Some Church of England bishops, however, fully accept and embrace gay clergy with partners or spouses in their diocese while other bishops remove the licences of such clergy, making it extremely difficult for them to find a position in another diocese.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/campaigns/equality-for-lgbt-clergy-and-ordinands|title=LGBT ministers and clergy|work=changingattitude.org.uk|access-date=2014-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412055551/http://changingattitude.org.uk/campaigns/equality-for-lgbt-clergy-and-ordinands|archive-date=2011-04-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 12 April 2014, [[Jeremy Pemberton (priest)|Jeremy Pemberton]] married Laurence Cunnington, thus becoming the first priest in the Church of England to defy the church's ban on the marriage of gay clergy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10762940/Church-of-England-faces-crisis-as-gay-priest-weds.html|title=Church of England faces 'crisis' as gay priest weds|date=12 April 2014|work=The Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117194536/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10762940/Church-of-England-faces-crisis-as-gay-priest-weds.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in 2014, an openly lesbian and trans priest was appointed as a minor canon in Manchester Cathedral.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/transgender.priest.made.minor.canon.at.manchester.cathedral/37934.htm|title=Transgender priest Rachel Mann made minor canon at Manchester Cathedral: 'God did not reject me,' she says {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=7 June 2014 |access-date=2016-04-30|archive-date=4 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504081117/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/transgender.priest.made.minor.canon.at.manchester.cathedral/37934.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2015–2019 ====

In 2015, [[John Sentamu]], [[Archbishop of York]], told a [[lay preacher]], Jeremy Timm, that if he persisted with plans to marry his long-time partner, his licence to [[Preacher|preach]] in Anglican churches would be revoked. As of August 2015, an agreement was reached: Timm would complete existing preaching commitments before revocation. Timm announced his plans to be married in September 2015 and to leave the Church of England<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11796568/Gay-Anglican-preacher-forced-to-choose-between-marriage-or-ministry.html|title=Gay Anglican preacher forced to 'choose between marriage or ministry'|date=11 August 2015|work=The Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117194508/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11796568/Gay-Anglican-preacher-forced-to-choose-between-marriage-or-ministry.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and join "Contemplative Fire", a dispersed, diverse and inclusive group that is primarily Anglican.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglican.preacher.quits.cofe.over.gay.marriage/61878.htm|title=Anglican preacher quits CofE over gay marriage – Christian News on Christian Today|work=christiantoday.com|date=13 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015|archive-date=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930025532/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglican.preacher.quits.cofe.over.gay.marriage/61878.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.contemplativefire.org/guide.htm A Guide for the Contemplative Fire Community] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930180327/http://www.contemplativefire.org/guide.htm |date=30 September 2015 }} This group accepts people from other faith or non-faith backgrounds.</ref>

Other bishops and dioceses have supported same-gender marriage and have advocated for the right of gay priests to marry. For example, [[Nick Holtam]], [[Bishop of Salisbury]], endorsed same-sex marriage following its passage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/28/gay-marriage-bishop-salisbury-backs-same-sex-weddings|title=Gay marriage: bishop of Salisbury gives backing to same-sex weddings|last=Brown|first=Andrew|date=2014-03-28|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-04-07|archive-date=25 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225001306/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/28/gay-marriage-bishop-salisbury-backs-same-sex-weddings|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, [[Alan Wilson (bishop)|Alan Wilson]], area [[Bishop of Buckingham]], announced his support for same-gender marriage within the church.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Church of England should be made to allow gay clergy to marry – bishop|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11526563/Let-gay-clergy-marry-says-Church-of-England-bishop.html|website = Telegraph.co.uk| date=10 April 2015 |access-date = 2016-02-24|archive-date = 13 May 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081400/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11526563/Let-gay-clergy-marry-says-Church-of-England-bishop.html|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2016, another priest, in the [[Anglican Diocese of Southwark|Diocese of Southwark]], converted his civil partnership into marriage and "has kept his position".<ref name="bingham"/> The ''[[Church Times]]'' also reported that St. Agnes in North Riddish held a "service of blessing" and "ceremony of commitment" for a priest who had resigned to marry his partner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/29-july/news/uk/priest-resigns-then-marries-gay-partner|title=Priest resigns then marries gay partner|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=2018-01-01|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114203614/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2016/29-july/news/uk/priest-resigns-then-marries-gay-partner|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/07/24/gay-priest-quits-church-of-england-in-order-to-marry-his-partner/|title=Gay Priest quits Church of England in order to marry his partner|work=PinkNews|access-date=2018-01-01|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194224/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/07/24/gay-priest-quits-church-of-england-in-order-to-marry-his-partner/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Diocese in Europe]] also reported the marriage of a same-gender couple that took place in a Lutheran church in Denmark calling a "truly joyful occasion".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://europe.anglican.org/news/news/post/1127-long-standing-synod-member-benefits-from-a-porvoo-partnership-|title=LONG STANDING SYNOD MEMBER BENEFITS FROM A PORVOO PARTNERSHIP – News – Diocese in Europe|website=europe.anglican.org|access-date=2016-08-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821090722/http://europe.anglican.org/news/news/post/1127-long-standing-synod-member-benefits-from-a-porvoo-partnership-|archive-date=2016-08-21}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Chichester]] featured Gay Pride in Brighton and encouraged participation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chichester.anglican.org/news/2016/08/02/pride-teaparty-brighton-church/|title=Brighton churches embrace UK's biggest Pride Festival – Diocese of Chichester|last=Ltd|first=Diocese of Chichester vs Blanc|website=www.chichester.anglican.org|access-date=2016-08-21|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194232/http://www.chichester.anglican.org/news/2016/08/02/pride-teaparty-brighton-church/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also, the [[Diocese of Lichfield]] launched a congregation especially to reach out to LGBTI people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/ournews/new-lgbti-congregation-in-lichfield-diocese/|title=Diocese of Lichfield {{!}} New LGBTI congregation in Lichfield Diocese|last=Lichfield|first=Diocese of|website=www.lichfield.anglican.org|access-date=2016-08-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821123911/http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/ournews/new-lgbti-congregation-in-lichfield-diocese/|archive-date=2016-08-21}}</ref> [[Paul Bayes]], [[Bishop of Liverpool]], has called for the church to be more inclusive of same-gender relationships.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/senior-bishop-change-church-of-england-attitudes-gay-people|title=Senior bishop calls for change in C of E attitudes to gay people |last=correspondentSherwood |first=Harriet Sherwood Religion|date=2016-06-16|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-08-21|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820193941/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/senior-bishop-change-church-of-england-attitudes-gay-people|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the [[Diocese of St&nbsp;Edmundsbury and Ipswich]] appointed [[Joe Hawes]], who is in a civil partnership, as [[Dean of St&nbsp;Edmundsbury]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stedscathedral.co.uk/news/953-new-dean-for-st-edmundsbury-cathedral|title=St Edmundsbury Cathedral – A New Dean|last=acc|first=Chris Nicholls – new|website=www.stedscathedral.co.uk|access-date=2018-03-18|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316151758/http://www.stedscathedral.co.uk/news/953-new-dean-for-st-edmundsbury-cathedral|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later, the [[Diocese of Lichfield]] communicated support for "radical Christian inclusion" and that churches should welcome and honour LGBTI people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/news/2018/05/09/welcoming-and-honouring-lgbt-people/|title=Diocese of Lichfield – News – Welcoming and honouring LGBT+ people|last=Lichfield|first=Diocese of|website=www.lichfield.anglican.org|access-date=2018-05-13|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081456/https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/news/2018/05/09/welcoming-and-honouring-lgbt-people/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Andrew Foreshew-Cain, who entered into a same-sex marriage, continued in his position at St. Mary's Church, Kilburn and St. James' Church West in North London, but was prohibited and "blacklisted" from any other diocesan positions within the Church of England; however, in 2018, and due to the unique status of Church of England university chaplaincies, Foreshew-Cain was appointed as the Chaplain for the University of Oxford's Lady Margaret Hall, the first priest in a same-sex marriage appointed to the chaplaincy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Release|first=Press|date=2019-04-11|title=Married gay priest appointed Oxford college chaplain|url=https://anglican.ink/2019/04/11/married-gay-priest-appointed-oxford-college-chaplain/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Anglican Ink © 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108074255/https://anglican.ink/2019/04/11/married-gay-priest-appointed-oxford-college-chaplain/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |lasturl=Editorhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/blacklisted-gay-vicar-andrew-foreshew-cain-works-for-guardians-alan-rusbridger-ztjvtpkjw |first=Nicholas |last=Hellen, Social Affairs|title=Blacklisted gay vicar Andrew Foreshew-Cain works for Guardian's Alan Rusbridger |date=October 14, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |language=en |urlissn=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/blacklisted0140-gay-vicar-andrew-foreshew-cain-works-for-guardians-alan-rusbridger-ztjvtpkjw0460 |access-date=2021-11-08|issn=0140-0460August 15, 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108074252/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/blacklisted-gay-vicar-andrew-foreshew-cain-works-for-guardians-alan-rusbridger-ztjvtpkjw|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Revd Andrew Foreshew-Cain appointed LMH Chaplain|url=https://www.lmh.ox.ac.uk/news/revd-andrew-foreshew-cain-appointed-lmh-chaplain|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Lady Margaret Hall|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108074253/https://www.lmh.ox.ac.uk/news/revd-andrew-foreshew-cain-appointed-lmh-chaplain|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, the General Synod announced that, in response to the growing support for gay marriage, it will reconsider allowing blessing rites for same-gender couples entering into marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Church of England's centuries-old teaching on marriage 'up for discussion' to accommodate same-sex couples|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/12159981/Church-of-Englands-centuries-old-teaching-on-marriage-up-for-discussion.html?fb_ref=Default|website = Telegraph.co.uk| date=16 February 2016 |access-date = 2016-02-24|archive-date = 20 January 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220120213134/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/12159981/Church-of-Englands-centuries-old-teaching-on-marriage-up-for-discussion.html?fb_ref=Default|url-status = live}}</ref> Additionally, an openly married gay priest was elected to the 2016 General Synod representing a historic moment for gay rights in the church.<ref name="bingham">{{cite web|last1=Bingham|first1=John|title=Married gay priest selected to Church of England Synod|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11927453/Married-gay-priest-elected-to-Church-of-England-Synod.html|work=The Telegraph|date=12 October 2015 |access-date=2016-04-17|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114112851/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11927453/Married-gay-priest-elected-to-Church-of-England-Synod.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

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The Church of England's official Statement after the synod's members completed their informal reflections said that "the Shared Conversations over the last two years now come to a conclusion with over 1300 members of the church directly involved. It is our hope that what has been learned through the relationships developed will inform the way the church conducts whatever further formal discussions may be necessary in the future. It is our prayer that the manner in which we express our different views and deep disagreements will bear witness to Jesus who calls us to love as he has loved us."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2016/07/statement-following-conclusion-of-shared-conversations-process.aspx Conclusion of Shared Conversations Process] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820114106/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2016/07/statement-following-conclusion-of-shared-conversations-process.aspx |date=20 August 2016 }}, Retrieved 2016-07-27.</ref>

In September 2016, [[Nicholas Chamberlain]], Bishop of Grantham, announced that he is gay and in a celibate relationship with his male partner, becoming the first bishop to do so in the Anglican church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship |last=correspondentSherwood |first=Harriet Sherwood Religion|date=2016-09-02|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-09-02|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425151130/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Chamberlain's coming out, he "received high-level support from the most senior official in the Anglican communion" as the Secretary General, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, said that "the Anglican Communion has never made sexual orientation a condition of eligibility to hold office within the church and I reject the suggestion that it has".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/top.anglican.official.backs.bishop.of.grantham.over.sexuality/94779.htm|title=Top Anglican official backs Bishop of Grantham over sexuality {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=6 September 2016 |access-date=2016-09-06|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907141940/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/top.anglican.official.backs.bishop.of.grantham.over.sexuality/94779.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November, 2016, William Nye, the Secretary General of the Archbishop's Council, confirmed the following:<ref name="churchofengland"/>

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In October 2017, the [[Diocese of Hereford]] voted in favour of a motion supporting liturgies for same-sex couples to dedicate a civil partnership or civil marriage in church; the General Synod is set to discuss the motion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41701458|title=Church to discuss same-sex blessing|last=May|first=Callum|date=2017-10-20|work=BBC News|access-date=2017-10-22|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226153902/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41701458|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, "The House [of Bishops] also agreed to the formation of a Pastoral Consultative Group to support and advise dioceses on pastoral responses to circumstances that arise concerning LGBTI+ clergy, ordinands, lay leaders and the lay people in their care."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England House of Bishops meet {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2022 |url=https://anglican.ink/2022/03/25/church-of-england-house-of-bishops-meet/ |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=anglican.ink |date=25 March 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325211850/https://anglican.ink/2022/03/25/church-of-england-house-of-bishops-meet/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 12 February 2018, the Church of England's Education Office published a policy supporting sex education which includes, among other things, education concerning one's sexual desire.<ref name=sexed>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-03/Relationships%20and%20Sex%20Education%20Response.pdf|title=Changes to the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education and PSHE: A call for evidence|date=12 March 2018 |access-date=2021-01-23|archive-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222055321/https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-03/Relationships|url-status=live}}</ref> The policy stated that "Sex education should include an understanding that all humans are sexual beings and that sexual desire is natural. Pupils should be taught that humans express their sexuality differently and that there is diversity in sexual desire."<ref name=sexed />

==== Since 2020 ====

In November 2020, the Living in Love and Faith group published its resources.<ref name="llf" /> The resources include videos, podcasts, an online learning hub, a five-week course, and a 480-page book ''Living in Love and Faith: Christian teaching and learning about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Living in Love and Faith |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=The Church of England |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113060124/https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith |url-status=live }}</ref> The book aims to describe all opinions on sexuality fairly and clearly, and to interrogate them in context of scripture, science, culture, and lived experience. Writing about the book, a [[Church Times]] editorial declared: "it's out, it's long, it's good".<ref>{{cite news |date=9 November 2020 |title=Living in Love and Faith: it's out, it's long, it's good |work=Church Times |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/comment/leader-comment/llf-it-s-out-it-s-long-it-s-good |access-date=2020-11-14 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114001152/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/comment/leader-comment/llf-it-s-out-it-s-long-it-s-good |url-status=live }}</ref> Responding to the publication of the resources, various pressure groups agreed that churches should welcome [[LGBTI]] people, but differed on how that should be accomplished.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thornton |first1=Ed |date=13 November 2020 |title=Campaigners welcome Living in Love and Faith resources |work=Church Times |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/news/uk/campaigners-welcome-living-in-love-and-faith-resources |access-date=2020-11-14 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113132945/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/news/uk/campaigners-welcome-living-in-love-and-faith-resources |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2022, the Church of England marked the beginning of a period of "discernment and decision-making" by publishing three documents that report the experiences of those in the process.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Meyrick |first=Sarah |date=6 September 2022 |title=Bishops urged to act swiftly on sexuality as Living in Love and Faith responses are collated |work=[[Church Times]] |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/9-september/news/uk/bishops-urged-to-act-swiftly-as-living-in-love-and-faith-responses-are-collated?utm_campaign=Church%20Times%20RSS%20Daily%20bulletin%202.0&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email |access-date=6 September 2022 |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112103625/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/9-september/news/uk/bishops-urged-to-act-swiftly-as-living-in-love-and-faith-responses-are-collated?utm_campaign=Church%20Times%20RSS%20Daily%20bulletin%202.0&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email |url-status=live }}</ref>

Also that month, the [[Diocese of Hereford]] refused a request to allow [[Mpho Tutu van Furth]], an Anglican priest, to conduct a funeral in the diocese because she is married to a woman.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Lianne Kolirin |title=Church of England bars Desmond Tutu's daughter from leading funeral due to gay marriage |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/23/uk/desmond-tutu-daughter-scli-gbr-intl/index.html |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=CNN |date=23 September 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925165656/https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/23/uk/desmond-tutu-daughter-scli-gbr-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Farley |first=Harry |date=2022-09-22 |title=Church of England bars Desmond Tutu's daughter from leading funeral |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63003282 |access-date=2022-09-25 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925120630/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63003282 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" /> Former [[Bishop of Liverpool]] [[Paul Bayes]] criticised the decision and said: "We urgently need to make space for conscience, space for pastoral care, and space for love".<ref name=":1" /> [[Ben Bradshaw]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] MP for [[Exeter (UK Parliament constituency)|Exeter]], described the refusal as "cruelty" and said the church was "actively pursuing a campaign of discrimination" against lesbian and gay people; he said the church must act quickly to allow same-sex marriage or face parliamentary questions about its position as the established church.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2022-10-04 |title=C of E must welcome gay people or face questions in parliament, says MP |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/04/church-of-england-welcome-gay-people-face-parliament-ben-bradshaw |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005073229/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/04/church-of-england-welcome-gay-people-face-parliament-ben-bradshaw |url-status=live }}</ref>

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In February 2023 Anglican churches in a few developing countries, [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]] and the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] among others, announced they no longer accept Justin Welby as leader of the worldwide church due to the issue.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/20/anglicans-reject-justin-welby-as-head-of-global-church-amid-anger-at-same-sex-blessings | title=Anglicans reject Justin Welby as head of global church amid anger at same-sex blessings | newspaper=The Guardian | date=20 February 2023 | last1=Sherwood | first1=Harriet | access-date=21 February 2023 | archive-date=21 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221104542/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/20/anglicans-reject-justin-welby-as-head-of-global-church-amid-anger-at-same-sex-blessings | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 1 November 2023, 44 Church of England bishops (15 [[diocesan bishop]]s and 29 [[suffragan bishop]]s) signed an open letter supporting the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith (i.e. blessings for same-sex couples) and called for "Guidance being issued without delay that includes the removal of all restrictions on clergy entering same-sex civil marriages, and on bishops ordaining and licensing such clergy".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Francis |title=Don't delay guidance allowing priests to be in same-sex marriages, say 44 bishops |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/3-november/news/uk/don-t-delay-guidance-allowing-priests-to-be-in-same-sex-marriages-say-44-bishops |access-date=2 November 2023 |work=Church Times |date=1 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102131648/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/3-november/news/uk/don-t-delay-guidance-allowing-priests-to-be-in-same-sex-marriages-say-44-bishops |archive-date=2 November 2023}}</ref> On November 15, 2023, the General Synod accepted both the commended prayers of blessing for same-sex couples during regular church services, and also approved an amendment to authorise "standalone" blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis with permanent adoption of the "standalone" blessings requiring additional steps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs services for gay couples |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67432854 |access-date=2023-11-20 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119192328/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67432854 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs plans for trial blessings of same-sex weddings |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-backs-plans-for-blessings-of-same-sex-weddings |access-date=2023-11-20 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120234957/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-backs-plans-for-blessings-of-same-sex-weddings |url-status=live }}</ref> The House of Bishops voted on 12 December 2023 to authorise the Prayers of Love and Faith for use in regular services from 17 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=House of Bishops votes to commend part of Prayers of Love and Faith |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/15-december/news/uk/house-of-bishops-votes-to-commend-part-of-prayers-of-love-and-faith |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=www.churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref>

===Church of Ireland===

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in line with legal and financial requirements. In 2011, a senior priest in the Church of Ireland entered into a same-sex civil partnership and the relationship was celebrated by his community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/my-same-sex-union-has-been-accepted-by-the-church-says-cleric-1-3039807|title=My same-sex union has been accepted by the church says cleric|date=10 September 2011|work=Portadown Times|access-date=2016-12-05|archive-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031826/https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/my-same-sex-union-has-been-accepted-by-the-church-says-cleric-1-3039807|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike the Church of England, clergy entered into a civil union "without being asked for any assurances regarding lifestyle".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.coigazette.net/coi-gazette-5th-june-2015/|title=COI Gazette – 5th June 2015|date=2015-06-05|newspaper=Church of Ireland Gazette|access-date=2016-12-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325155349/http://www.coigazette.net/coi-gazette-5th-june-2015/|archive-date=2016-03-25}}</ref> Since then, other priests have been taking the time and opportunity to come out about their experiences. In 2012, the church's Clergy Pension Fund recognised that "the pension entitlement of a member’s registered civil partner will be the same as that of a surviving spouse."<ref name="anglican2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/AboutUs/cpf/CPF_Booklet_12.pdf|title=Church of Ireland: Clergy Pension Fund Explanatory Booklet|date=April 2012|website=ireland.anglican.org|publisher=Church of Ireland|access-date=2016-10-30|archive-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118181146/https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/AboutUs/cpf/CPF_Booklet_12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The General Synod in 2012 made provision for a Working Group on Human Sexuality to be created, to encourage and monitor Conversations at parochial and diocesan level, and between dioceses of different perspectives. The same motion<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/Synod/2012/MotionHSinContext-ofCB.pdf |title=ArchivedMotion Human Sexuality in the context of Christian belief |date=2012 |publisher=Anglican Church copy|access-date=31August May17, 2024 2023|archive-date=26 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226161022/http://ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/Synod/2012/MotionHSinContext-ofCB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> reaffirmed the existing teaching of the Church of Ireland in relation to marriage and sexuality:

""The Church of Ireland continues to uphold its teaching that marriage is part of God’s creation and a holy mystery in which one man and one woman become one flesh, as provided for in Canon 31: ‘The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord’s teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and lifelong, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for the procreation and nurture of children, for the hallowing and right direction of the natural instincts and affections, and for the mutual society, help and comfort which the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity’.

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"The Church of Ireland teaches therefore that faithfulness within marriage is the only normative context for sexual intercourse. Members of the Church of Ireland are required by the Catechism to keep their bodies in ‘temperance, soberness and chastity’. Clergy are called in the Ordinal to be ‘wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Jesus Christ’."

In 2015, [[Paul Colton]], [[Bishop of Cork]], announced his support of same-sex marriage, becoming the first Church of Ireland bishop to do so, saying that "The events in society are moving very rapidly and the church is not at all up to pace with the debate."<ref>{{Cite news|title = Same-sex marriage backed by Church of Ireland bishop – BBC News|work = BBC News|date = 18 May 2014|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-27460784|access-date = 2015-10-06|archive-date = 25 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160325011155/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-27460784|url-status = live}}</ref> Following Colton, two retired Archbishops of Dublin also voiced their 'yes' vote in favour of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/archbishops-and-leading-theologian-call-for-yes-vote-1.2210129|title=Archbishops and leading theologian call for Yes vote|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=2016-04-25|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427061159/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/archbishops-and-leading-theologian-call-for-yes-vote-1.2210129|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Michael Burrows (bishop)|Michael Burrows]], [[Bishop of Cashel and Ossory]], also endorsed same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703227-same-sex-marriage-referendum-no-reaction/|title=Church needs to do a reality check – Archbishop|date=2015-05-23|newspaper=RTE.ie|access-date=2016-12-26|archive-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210070433/http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703227-same-sex-marriage-referendum-no-reaction/|url-status=live}}</ref> While opposing gay marriage, [[Pat Storey]], [[Bishop of Meath and Kildare]] and Ireland's first woman bishop, did endorse and express support for same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=httphttps://legacywww.wtspbbc.com/story/news/2015/05/22/irelandworld-gayeurope-marriage-public-vote/27766901/32856232 |title=Ireland same-sex referendum set to approve gay marriage in|date=May public23, 2015 vote|website=10NEWSBBC |access-date=2016-04-12}}August 15, {{dead2024 link|datearchive-url=Januaryhttps://web.archive.org/web/20150524014042/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32856232 2019|botarchive-date=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medicMay 24, 2015}}</ref> On 23 May 2015, the people of [[Republic of Ireland]] voted in favour of the legalisation of same-sex marriage, the first country to do such by [[Election|popular vote]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ireland becomes first country to legalise gay marriage by popular vote|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/23/gay-marriage-ireland-yes-vote|website = The Guardian|access-date = 2015-10-06|first = Henry McDonald in|last = Dublin|date = 23 May 2015|archive-date = 23 May 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150523204833/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/23/gay-marriage-ireland-yes-vote|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2016, the Church of Ireland released a pastoral letter offering guidelines on same-gender marriage. Although the Church of Ireland does not currently offer marriage or blessing rites, the guidelines allow priests to offer pastoral prayers on behalf of the newly married couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=C of I bishops send pastoral letter to clergy on same-sex marriage|url=http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-Focus-January-1.pdf|website=churchnewsireland.org|publisher=Church of Ireland|access-date=2016-01-03|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224253/http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-Focus-January-1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Services of Thanksgiving for same-sex marriage have been hosted by congregations; for example, St. Audoen's Church hosted "a service of thanksgiving" for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-July-4.pdf|title=Church News Ireland: Service of Thanksgiving for referendum decision|date=2 July 2015|access-date=2016-12-18|via=churchnewsireland.org|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220153000/http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-July-4.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> REFORM Ireland, a conservative lobby within the Church of Ireland, has rejected the contents of the letter saying it is "a dangerous departure from confessing Anglicanism".<ref>{{cite web|title=REFORM Ireland's Response to Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Same Sex Marriage|url=http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-Focus-Jan-2.pdf|website=churchnewsireland.org|publisher=REFORM Ireland|access-date=2016-01-03|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222338/http://www.churchnewsireland.org/wp-content/uploads/CNI-News-Focus-Jan-2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, some Church of Ireland clergy signed a letter supporting the U.S. Episcopal Church and its open stance towards blessing same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter from Church of Ireland clergy in support of TEC following Primates gathering|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/letter-from-church-of-ireland-clergy-in-support-of-tec-following-primates-gathering/|website=episcopalcafe.com|publisher=Episcopal Cafe|access-date=2016-02-01|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202102333/http://www.episcopalcafe.com/letter-from-church-of-ireland-clergy-in-support-of-tec-following-primates-gathering/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2016, the ''Church of Ireland Gazette'', which is "editorially independent of the denomination", endorsed and supported a blessing rite for same-sex marriages in the church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church of Ireland Gazette calls for blessings for same-sex marriages|url=http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-news/church-of-ireland-gazette-calls-for-blessings-for-same-sex-marriages-1-7184978|website=newsletter.co.uk|publisher=Newsletter UK|access-date=2016-04-17|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404045430/http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/northern-ireland-news/church-of-ireland-gazette-calls-for-blessings-for-same-sex-marriages-1-7184978|url-status=dead}}</ref> A church report has also said "the moral logic underpinning the negative portrayal of same-sex eroticism in Scripture does not directly address committed, loving, consecrated same-sex relationships today."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.ireland.challenged.by.report.on.homosexuality/77080.htm|title=Church of Ireland challenged by report on homosexuality {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=19 January 2016 |access-date=2016-05-14|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325203003/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.ireland.challenged.by.report.on.homosexuality/77080.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the General Synod considered a motion to request public services of thanksgiving for same-sex relationships; the vote was 176 against the motion, 146 in favour, and 24 abstained.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/church-of-ireland-faces-northsouth-divide-over-gay-marriage-stance-35686003.html|title=Church of Ireland faces north-south divide over gay marriage stance – BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|access-date=2017-05-25|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517032508/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/church-of-ireland-faces-northsouth-divide-over-gay-marriage-stance-35686003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The General Synod also unanimously accepted a report from the church's select committee on human sexuality recommending "that the Bishops further examine the unresolved theological differences as represented in the select committee, with a view to making proposals to facilitate a way forward."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/7154/report-of-select-committee-on|title=Report of Select Committee on Human Sexuality Urges Bishops to Carry on the Conversation|work=Church of Ireland|access-date=2017-05-25|archive-date=4 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204230751/https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/7154/report-of-select-committee-on|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/belfast-telegraph/20170506/281479276323960|title=North-South CofI split over same-sex vote: Motion to soften stance rejected after Synod debate|last=McCreary|first=Alf|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=2017-05-06|access-date=2017-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402155246/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/belfast-telegraph/20170506/281479276323960|archive-date=2019-04-02}}</ref> Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, announced his support for the introduction of same-sex marriage in the Church of Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/cork-bishop-calls-for-same-sex-marriages-in-church-of-ireland-793217.html|title=Cork bishop calls for same-sex marriages in Church of Ireland|date=2017-06-12|access-date=2017-06-19|archive-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623231304/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/cork-bishop-calls-for-same-sex-marriages-in-church-of-ireland-793217.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

A 2017 motion at General Synod calling upon "the House of Bishops to investigate a means to develop sensitive, local pastoral arrangements for public prayer and thanksgiving with same-sex couples at these key moments in their lives, and to present their ideas to General Synod 2018, with a view to making proposals at General Synod 2019" was substantially defeated with 176 opposed, 146 in favour, and 24 abstentions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/irish-synod-votes-not-to-apologise-and-give-public-prayer-for-gay-couples |title=Irish synod votes not to apologise and give public prayer for gay couples - Premier Christian News &#124; Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722000447/https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/irish-synod-votes-not-to-apologise-and-give-public-prayer-for-gay-couples |url-status=live }}</ref> The Church of Ireland therefore is the only Western Anglican Church in the British Isles to have synodically reaffirmed traditional marriage and rejected proposals to bless same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.englishchurchman.com/59918-2/ |title=Will Ireland Stand Alone? |date=16 June 2023 |access-date=22 July 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722000445/https://www.englishchurchman.com/59918-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, the Irish bishops released a statement on the continuing conversations surrounding human sexuality. The Bishops stated that the church's teaching remains that marriage is between a man and a woman, but acknowledged that they are divided on the subject themselves. The letter says that clergy cannot perform or bless a same-sex marriage, but that clergy can offer prayers for a couple who have married in a civil ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/church-of-ireland-stance-on-samesex-marriage-unchanged-36898595.html|title=Church of Ireland stance on same-sex marriage 'unchanged'|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=2018-05-12|last=Campbell|first=Brett|access-date=2018-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926021214/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/church-of-ireland-stance-on-same-sex-marriage-unchanged-36898595.html|archive-date=2021-09-26|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The liberal wing wanting change noted that "the statement allows for autonomy at a diocesan and parish level, for prayer and pastoral celebration with LGBT+ couples who have married, although this is not by means of solemnization, formal blessing or specifically sanctioned liturgy."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://changingattitudeireland.org/news-blog/statement-from-changing-attitude-ireland-on-the-recent-communication-from-the-house-of-bishops/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724060309/http://changingattitudeireland.org/news-blog/statement-from-changing-attitude-ireland-on-the-recent-communication-from-the-house-of-bishops/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-07-24|title=Statement from Changing Attitude Ireland on the Recent Communication from the House of Bishops|website=changingattitudeireland.org|access-date=2018-05-20}}</ref>

In 2023, three dioceses voted to support the blessing of same-sex couples and asked that General Synod consider a motion to that effect. The [[Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe|United Diocese of Tuam, Limerick, and Killaloe]], the [[Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough]], and the [[Diocese of Cashel and Ossory|Diocese of Cashel, Ferns, and Ossory]] have voted to ask that General Synod consider a motion to bless same-sex couples following a civil marriage or civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Third Irish diocese asks general synod to permit same-sex blessings {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2023 |url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/27/third-irish-diocese-asks-general-synod-to-permit-same-sex-blessings/ |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=anglican.ink |date=28 November 2023 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128211457/https://anglican.ink/2023/11/27/third-irish-diocese-asks-general-synod-to-permit-same-sex-blessings/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Two dioceses back call for same-sex marriage rites for the Church of Ireland {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2023 |url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/06/two-dioceses-back-call-for-same-sex-marriage-rites-for-the-church-of-ireland/ |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=anglican.ink |date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115064207/https://anglican.ink/2023/11/06/two-dioceses-back-call-for-same-sex-marriage-rites-for-the-church-of-ireland/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Church in Wales===

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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304160958/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/church-wales-looks-pension-rights-1811046

|archive-date=2016-03-04

}}</ref> In 2012, Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales, endorsed civil marriage for same-sex couples and encouraged other Anglicans to support the legislation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Jerome|title=Archbishop of Wales publicly calls on Anglican stop support gay civil marriages|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/archbishop-of-wales-publicly-calls-on-anglicans-to-support-gay-civil-marriages-7657820.html|website=The Independent.co.uk|date=18 April 2012|publisher=Independent UK|access-date=2015-12-27|archive-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303070656/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/archbishop-of-wales-publicly-calls-on-anglicans-to-support-gay-civil-marriages-7657820.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After Morgan offered his support for the civil policy, some bishops and dioceses developed legislation to alter the official position of the Church in Wales. The church has also endorsed an LGBT film meant to encourage support and affirmation for LGBT people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.in.wales.to.participate.in.lgbt.film.project/79862.htm|title=Church in Wales to participate in LGBT film project {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=16 February 2016 |access-date=2016-08-23|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911012457/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.in.wales.to.participate.in.lgbt.film.project/79862.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2005, the Church in Wales has permitted priests to enter into same-sex [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnerships]]. "The Church in Wales has no formal view on whether people in civil partnerships who are in a sexual relationship can serve as clergy. If the issue arises, it is up to the relevant Bishop to decide."<ref name="walesonline"/> In 2020, the Church consecrated the province's first openly lesbian bishop in a civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51274677|title=Gay bishop will not push for same-sex marriage|date=2020-01-28|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-01-29|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410081721/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51274677|url-status=live}}</ref>

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{{Main|Church of South India}}

The Church of South [[India]], although divided in opinion like many Anglican provinces, has many outspoken clergy in favour of rights for same-sex couples. "The Church of South India (CSI) [is] a relatively liberal Protestant church which has, since 1984, allowed women to become pastors. 'CSI has been liberal on these issues. It has taken up issues of gender, dalits and landlessness. It has to address the issue of sexual minorities too'."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-rising-cases-of-sexual-abuse-within-the-church/1/151572.html|title=Rising cases of sexual abuse within the church in Kerala force clergy to rethink on homosexuality|website=indiatoday.intoday.in|date=17 September 2011 |access-date=2016-04-29|archive-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531110252/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-rising-cases-of-sexual-abuse-within-the-church/1/151572.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, CSI supported the faction of the Anglican Church—[[Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans]] (GAFCON)—on the debate over allowing gay clergy.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2008 |title=Gay priests not acceptable: India's Anglican churches |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/gay-priests-not-acceptable-india-s-anglican-churches/story-ADRxdYVDZsEjVbAyAy0BdN.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Indian bishops sided with traditionalists on the issue of homosexuality. The church does not ordain clergy who are active in same-sex relationships.<ref name=":6" /> In 2009, the [[National Council of Churches in India]], of which the CSI is a member, supported the legalization of consensual same-sex relationships in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-04 |title=Protestants cool with verdict on homosexuality |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/protestants-cool-with-verdict-on-homosexuality-53514-2009-08-03 |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=voltaire |date=2018-01-23 |title=India's National Council of Churches Advocates for Repeal of Section 377 - Singapore News |url=https://theindependent.sg/indias-national-council-of-churches-advocates-for-repeal-of-section-377/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=The Independent Singapore News |language=en-US}}</ref> Christopher Rajkumar, a presbyter in the Church of South India, stated that opposition to the rights of same-sex couples is a violation of human rights.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cithara|first1=Paul|title=Protestants support gay rights|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/frontpage/story_11322140.jsp|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2016-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023124804/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/frontpage/story_11322140.jsp|archive-date=2012-10-23}}</ref> Also in 2009, V. Devasahayam, [[Bishop in Madras]], supported legal rights for gay people saying "it is wrong to condemn people for their sexual orientation".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Protestants+cool+with+verdict+on+homosexuality/1/54958.html|title=Protestants cool with verdict on homosexuality|access-date=2016-08-26}}</ref> Devashayam also argued that sexual orientation is genetic and that Scripture should be re-read from a contemporary context.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|title=Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community|work=Christian Today|access-date=2018-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141718/http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|archive-date=2018-01-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2015, [[St. Mark's Cathedral, Bangalore|St Mark's Cathedral in Bangalore]], a congregation of the CSI, hosted a forum on preventing homophobia, and Vincent Rajkumar, a presbyter, advocated for the support of gay rights.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sitlhou|first1=Makepeace|title=A Theological Challenge to Christian Homophobia|url=http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|website=thewire.in|publisher=The Wire|access-date=2016-01-12|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211203604/http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|archive-date=2015-12-11}}</ref> CSI clergy, under the National Council of Churches in India, co-held a conference working against homophobia in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2014 featuring a rainbow flag and with speakers in favour of same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://josephgoh.org/?p=525|title=International Consultation on Church and Homophobia|date=2014-12-08|website=Joseph N. Goh|access-date=2016-05-23|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624144156/http://josephgoh.org/?p=525|url-status=live}}</ref> Moreover, during the week of the Primates' meeting in Canterbury, the CSI was listed by the [[BBC]] as being among the Anglican provinces open to blessing same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church split over homosexuality would be a failure – Welby|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2016|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|access-date=2016-01-12|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221143053/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, a seminary affiliated with the CSI has begun offering a seminary on LGBT issues. "The [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] in Madurai held a two-hour seminar on gender and sexuality..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577|title=Awesome! This Tamil Nadu seminary is teaching pastors to accept the LGBT community|date=2016-07-15|work=The News Minute|access-date=2017-12-11|archive-date=16 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416001848/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, the [[Communion of Churches in India]], of which the CSI is a part,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Communion Of Church In India |url=https://www.communionofchurchesinindia.org.in/#:~:text=The%20Communion%20of%20Churches%20in%20India%20(CCI)%20has%20been%20constituted,as%20belonging%20to%20the%20one |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=www.communionofchurchesinindia.org.in}}</ref> opposed the legalization of same-sex marriages in India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Salam |first=Ziya Us |date=2023-04-02 |title=On same-sex union, faith leaders show rare unity |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/on-same-sex-union-faith-leaders-show-rare-unity/article66691813.ece |access-date=2024-06-03 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

===Church of Ceylon===

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=== Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia ===

{{Main|Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia}}

There is no officially stated policy regarding homosexuality.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm#newzealand|title=BBC NEWS – Special Reports – Anglican Church around the world|work=bbc.co.ukBBC|date=15 July 2008|access-date=21 August 2009|archive-date=11 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411221000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm#newzealand|url-status=live}}</ref> Members are also divided regarding agreement with the [[Windsor Report]] and [[Lambeth Conferences|Lambeth Conference]]. There is no single national approach towards the [[ordination]] of [[Coming out|openly]] [[Sexual orientation|gay]] or [[Ordination of LGBT Christian clergy|lesbian clergy]], although individual dioceses have supported or opposed the inclusion of LGBT clergy. However, in 2016, it has been announced that the church will go forward in provincially proposing the option of same-gender blessing rites.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Conger|first1=George|title=Gay marriage rites recommended for New Zealand church|url=http://www.anglican.ink/article/gay-marriage-rites-recommended-new-zealand-church|website=anglican.ink|publisher=Anglican Ink|access-date=2016-02-23|archive-date=24 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224102002/http://www.anglican.ink/article/gay-marriage-rites-recommended-new-zealand-church|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2018, the Synod voted in favour of allowing blessing rites for same-sex marriages and civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/yes |title=AnglicanYes Taongato :blessings New|date=May Zealand's5, Anglican2018 News Leader|last=Quiqcorp|website=www.anglicantaonga.org.nzAnglican Taonga |access-date=2018-05-09August 17, 2024 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509073218/http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/yes|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to official blessings, the church said that "clergy should be permitted 'to recognise in public worship' a same-gender civil union or state marriage of members of their faith community."<ref name="pathway">{{Cite web |url=http://anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/forward |title=AnglicanPathway Taongato :same-gender Newblessings Zealand's|date=May Anglican14, News2014 Leader|last=Quiqcorp|website=anglicantaonga.org.nzAnglican Taonga |access-date=2017-04-13August 17, 2024 |archive-date=7 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407082825/http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/forward|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some [[Pākehā]] parishes are more open to gay and lesbian issues, including ordination and blessing of unions. The [[Dunedin]] and [[Auckland]] dioceses are notable for other such examples, including the ordination of a non-celibate gay clergy and the blessings of same-sex relationships performed by priests in an official capacity.<ref>Ashford, Ron, [http://www.duomo.ac.nz/RonAshfordsThesis.doc A Right to a Rite?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927142829/http://www.duomo.ac.nz/RonAshfordsThesis.doc |date=27 September 2007 }}, 2006.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/printer_3751.php|title=Anglican church to ordain gay deacon|website=www.gaynz.com|access-date=2016-05-11|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604064919/http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/printer_3751.php|archive-date=2016-06-04}}</ref> In the Dunedin Diocese, "Blessings of same-sex relationships are offered in line with Diocesan Policy and with the bishop's permission."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saintmartinsnev.com/celebrations|title=St Martin's Anglican Church – NEV|website=St Martin's Anglican Church – NEV|access-date=2016-12-15|archive-date=4 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104203717/http://www.saintmartinsnev.com/celebrations|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, an openly gay and partnered deacon was ordained in the Dunedin Diocese.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10408968|title=Gay deacon a threat to church unity, say opponents|date=2006-11-03|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|issn=1170-0777|access-date=2016-06-06|archive-date=12 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812011712/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10408968|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, the same deacon was ordained as a priest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/79503/gay-priest-predicts-a-new-conservatism|title=Gay priest predicts a new conservatism {{!}} Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News|website=www.odt.co.nz|date=26 October 2009|access-date=2016-06-06|archive-date=19 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119021917/http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/79503/gay-priest-predicts-a-new-conservatism|url-status=live}}</ref> The Diocese of Auckland has also established policies in favour of ordaining partnered gay and lesbian priests.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coward|first1=Colin|title=Auckland Diocese Synod votes for full inclusion of lesbian and gay people in ministry|url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/4354|website=changingattitude.org.uk|publisher=Changing Attitude|access-date=2016-01-31|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20171022000000/http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/4354|archive-date=2017-10-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> One priest, in a same-sex relationship, is an assistant priest in Auckland after being denied a licence in the Waikato Diocese.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/509074/Gay-minister-claims-discrimination|title=Gay minister claims discrimination|date=2008-06-27|work=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=2017-04-13|language=en|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729192148/http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/509074/Gay-minister-claims-discrimination|url-status=live}}</ref> Congregations may offer a 'relationship blessing' for two partners in the Auckland Diocese.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saintcolumbas.org.nz/covenant.php|title=Saint Columba Church – Services|website=www.saintcolumbas.org.nz|access-date=2016-12-17|archive-date=6 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406115252/http://www.saintcolumbas.org.nz/covenant.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2005, a same-sex couple was joined in a civil union at [[St Matthew's, Auckland|St. Matthew in the City]] in the Auckland Diocese.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/27677/civil-union-2005|title=Civil union, 2005|last=Taonga|first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|website=www.teara.govt.nz|access-date=2017-04-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153151/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/27677/civil-union-2005|archive-date=2017-04-13}}</ref> In 2011, the Waiapu Diocese adopted a resolution affirming the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy and asking for an authorised liturgy for blessing same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.waiapu.com/assets/Waiapu-SC-Ma-Whea-Submission.pdf|title=The Waiapu Journey|date=January 2013|website=waiapu.com|access-date=2017-11-06|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116135327/http://waiapu.com/assets/Waiapu-SC-Ma-Whea-Submission.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Bishop's chaplain in the Waiapu Diocese has also performed a blessing for a same-sex couple.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.baybuzz.co.nz/2013/07/08/gay-marriage-coming-to-the-bay/|title=Gay Marriage Coming to the Bay {{!}} BayBuzz|date=2013-07-08|work=BayBuzz|access-date=2017-11-08|archive-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409021332/https://www.baybuzz.co.nz/2013/07/08/gay-marriage-coming-to-the-bay/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2017, [[Andrew Hedge]], [[Bishop of Waiapu]], installed an openly gay priest, who is married to his partner, as the Dean of [[Waiapu Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Napier|Waiapu Cathedral]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gafcon.org/news/remaining-faithful-to-the-gospel-in-new-zealand-a-response-to-motion-29|title=Remaining faithful to the gospel in New Zealand – A response to Motion 29 {{!}} GAFCON|website=www.gafcon.org|access-date=2017-11-08|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201201013/https://www.gafcon.org/news/remaining-faithful-to-the-gospel-in-new-zealand-a-response-to-motion-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/tuesday |title=AnglicanSlow TaongaStart. :Big Newfinish. Zealand's|last=Ashton Anglican News|first=Lloyd Leader|lastdate=QuiqcorpMay 8, 2018 |website=www.anglicantaonga.org.nzAnglican Taonga |access-date=2018-05-09August 17, 2024 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509151215/http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/news/general_synod/tuesday|url-status=live}}</ref>

New Zealand writer Liz Lightfoot has documented the experiences of individuals coming out in the Anglican Church as a contribution to the 'listening process' in the Anglican Church.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lightfoot, |first=Liz, [|url=http://www.otago.ac.nz/press/booksauthors/Outspoken_Coming_out_Church.html |title=Outspoken] {{Webarchive|publisher=University of Otago |access-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620035215/http://www.otago.ac.nz/press/booksauthors/Outspoken_Coming_out_Church.html |archive-date=20 June 2011 }}, 2011.</ref>

In 2014, General Synod passes a resolution that would create a pathway towards the [[blessing]] of [[Sexual orientation|same-sex]] relationships, while upholding the [[Homophobia|traditional]] doctrine of marriage.<ref>{{cite web|urlname=http://anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/forward|title=Anglican"pathway" Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader|author=Quiqcorp|work=anglicantaonga.org.nz|access-date=18 September 2014|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407082825/http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/forward|url-status=live}}</ref> The synod in 2016 voted to receive the report on blessings but left the proposal to "[lie] on the table" and the report will be reviewed again in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_18259.php |title=GayNZ.com Anglican Church rejects blessings of same-sex marriages |date=May 12, 2016 |website=www.gaynz.comGaynz |access-date=2016-05-11|url-status=deadAugust 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512113658/http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_18259.php |archive-date=2016-05-May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/BLESSINGS-REPORT-ON-HOLD |title=Anglican Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader|last=Quiqcorp |website=anglicantaonga.org.nz |access-date=2016-05-12}}</ref> "However, Synod did pass a constitutional change allowing bishops the right to authorize a service for use in his or her diocese."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/marriage-rites-and-wrongs/ |title=Marriage rites (and wrongs)? |date=2016-08-August 30, 2016 |website=Episcopal Cafe |access-date=2016-08-31August 17, 2024 |archive-date=31 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831150725/http://www.episcopalcafe.com/marriage-rites-and-wrongs/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, General Synod/Te Hinota voted in favour of the process to approve Motion 29 and the blessing of same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html |title=Anglican Church will bless same-sex relationships |work=Newshub |access-date=2018-05-09 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509074603/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Anglican Church of Australia===

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In the Seventeenth Session of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in 2017, the synod passed a motion recognising "that the doctrine of our church, in line with traditional Christian teaching, is that marriage is an exclusive and lifelong union of a man and a woman, and further, recognises that this has been the subject of several General Synod resolutions over the past fifteen years".<ref>{{cite web|title=MINUTES OF THE FOURTH DAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH GENERAL SYNOD OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA HELD IN SYNOD HALL, WANDINY ROOM, NOVOTEL TWIN WATERS RESORT, MAROOCHYDORE ON THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2017|url=https://www.anglican.org.au/data/GS17_Minutes_of_the_Day/General_Synod_-_Minutes_of_Day_4_2017_FINAL.pdf|publisher=Anglican Church of Australia|access-date=2018-01-16|archive-date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116193435/https://www.anglican.org.au/data/GS17_Minutes_of_the_Day/General_Synod_-_Minutes_of_Day_4_2017_FINAL.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2018, [[Philip Freier]], [[Primate of Australia]] and [[Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne|Archbishop of Melbourne]], released an ''ad clerum'' reiterating the current position that clergy cannot perform a same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/380705315/AD-Clerum-Changes-to-the-Marriage-Law#from_embed|title=AD Clerum Changes to the Marriage Law|website=Scribd|access-date=2018-06-04|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814045704/https://www.scribd.com/document/380705315/AD-Clerum-Changes-to-the-Marriage-Law#from_embed|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the Appellate Tribunal, the highest church court, ruled that a diocese may authorise blessing rites for same-sex unions.<ref name="churchtimes.co.uk"/><ref name="anglicannews.org"/><ref name="abc.net.au"/> At the same time, the church has "no official stance on homosexuality" itself.<ref name="factfile" />

At its 2004 general synod held in Perth, the church passed four resolutions on human sexuality. The key resolutions stated that, "Recognising that this is a matter of ongoing debate and conversation in this church and that we all have an obligation to listen to each other with respect, this General Synod does not condone the liturgical blessing of same sex relationships" and "this General Synod does not condone the ordination of people in open committed same sex relationships."<ref>Sydney Diocesan Secretariat, [http://www.sds.asn.au/site/100736.asp?ph=cl General Synod Session 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912015919/http://www.sds.asn.au/site/100736.asp?ph=cl |date=12 September 2007 }}. Retrieved 2007-08-08.</ref> Nevertheless, the [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Diocese of Perth]] has "a number of people in same-sex relationships amongst the clergy".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-29/anglican-reject/5052642|title=Archbishop rejects formal recognition of same-sex relationships|date=2013-10-29|newspaper=ABC News|access-date=2016-12-10|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220083027/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-29/anglican-reject/5052642|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Phillip Aspinall]], a former Primate, has stated that the topic is not worth splitting the church over.<ref name=factfile>BBC News, 13 February 2007. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm BBC Factfile: Anglican Church around the world] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719073627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm |date=19 July 2008 }}. Retrieved 2007-07-18.</ref> Aspinall has also stated that he does not take an official position on the ordination of gay clergy, preferring instead to encourage respectful conversation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Attard|first1=Monica|title=The Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, Dr Phillip Aspinall|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/07/04/2294716.htm|website=abc.net.au|publisher=ABC|access-date=2016-04-11|archive-date=3 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503173355/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/07/04/2294716.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Another former primate, [[Peter Carnley]], stated that he believed "life-long gay relationships and commitments ... could receive church blessings."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ucg.org/world-news-and-prophecy/in-brief-ordination-of-gay-priests-defining-issue-for-anglicans-in-australia|title=In Brief ... Ordination of Gay Priests Defining Issue for Anglicans in Australia|last=Eddington|first=Bill|date=2001-07-01|website=United Church of God|access-date=2016-04-29|archive-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505151911/http://www.ucg.org/world-news-and-prophecy/in-brief-ordination-of-gay-priests-defining-issue-for-anglicans-in-australia|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Roger Herft]], as diocesan [[Anglican Bishop of Newcastle (Australia)|Bishop of Newcastle]], "support[ed] blessing gay unions".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/28/1077677014384.html|title=Anglicans look for leader with a healing touch – National – www.smh.com.au|website=www.smh.com.au|date=29 February 2004|access-date=2017-03-31|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331210331/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/02/28/1077677014384.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Peter Jensen (bishop)|Peter Jensen]], the former [[archbishop]] of the strongly [[Christian fundamentalism|conservative]] [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Anglican Diocese of Sydney|Diocese of Sydney]], has vigorously opposed homosexuality, stating that accepting [[non-heterosexual]] people would be "calling holy what God called sin".<ref>Barney Zwartz, ''The Age'', 3 February 2006. [http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/church-imperilled-by-gays-archbishop/2006/02/02/1138836372860.html Church imperilled by gays: archbishop] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225091816/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/church-imperilled-by-gays-archbishop/2006/02/02/1138836372860.html |date=25 December 2017 }}. Retrieved 2007-07-22.</ref> St. Andrew's Church in [[Subiaco, Western Australia|Subiaco]], [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Western Australia]], was the first Anglican church in Australia to publicly welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Its Sunday evening services are affirming of LGBT people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siriol.net/StAndrew/home.htm |title=Statement |access-date=2009-01-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214071412/http://www.siriol.net/StAndrew/home.htm |archive-date=2009-02-14}}</ref> Since then, other dioceses have taken affirming stances towards [[Same-sex relationship|same-sex couples]] and LGBT clergy. In 2013, the [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Diocese of Perth]] voted in favour of recognising same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perth Anglicans vote to recognise same-sex relationships|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|website=www.abc.net.au|date=7 October 2013|publisher=abc.net.au|access-date=2015-09-28|archive-date=11 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911032136/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|url-status=live}}</ref> While Roger Herft, [[Anglican Archbishop of Perth|Archbishop of Perth]] vetoed the measure, he did say that "there are gay and lesbian clergy serving in the priesthood. They are licensed by me and are honoured and respected as priests&nbsp;..."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.perth.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2013-Human-Sexuality-Statement-by-the-Archbishop-8-October.pdf|title=Synod Motion – Human Sexuality|last=Herft|first=Roger|date=8 October 2013|website=perth.anglican.org|publisher=Anglican Diocese of Perth|access-date=2016-12-10|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220095920/http://www.perth.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2013-Human-Sexuality-Statement-by-the-Archbishop-8-October.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Diocese of Perth did vote to no longer prohibit clergy in relationships, including sexual relationships, outside of marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.perth.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Book-Two-Synod-Business-Paper-Website.pdf|title=Business Paper: Second Session of the Fiftieth Synod of the Diocese of Perth|date=11 October 2019|website=perth.anglican.org|access-date=16 October 2019|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201134337/https://www.perth.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Book-Two-Synod-Business-Paper-Website.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the Diocese of Adelaide elected a new assistant bishop, [[Tim Harris (Anglican bishop)|Tim Harris]], and he supported allowing LGBT clergy if they agreed to be celibate, but, at the same time, he expressed that he is open to conversation about change.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jean|first1=David|title=New Anglican Bishop welcomes homosexual ministry|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/gay-clergy-practice-what-we-preach/story-e6frea83-1226199415441|website=adelaidenow.com.au|publisher=The Advertiser|access-date=2016-02-24|archive-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111194624/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/gay-clergy-practice-what-we-preach/story-e6frea83-1226199415441|url-status=live}}</ref> Moreover, in 2012, the [[Diocese of Gippsland]] appointed an openly gay priest,<ref>{{cite web|title=Bishop defends gay priest appointment|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|website=www.abc.net.au|date=7 October 2013|publisher=abc.net.au|access-date=2015-09-28|archive-date=11 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911032136/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|url-status=live}}</ref> and, in 2015, [[John Parkes (bishop)|John Parkes]], [[Anglican Bishop of Wangaratta|Bishop of Wangaratta]], endorsed same-sex marriage joining an archdeacon who had already offered to perform gay marriages when allowed to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australian bishop backs same-sex marriage|url=http://www.anglicanink.com/article/australian-bishop-backs-same-sex-marriage|website=Anglican Ink|access-date=2015-09-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928182828/http://www.anglicanink.com/article/australian-bishop-backs-same-sex-marriage|archive-date=2015-09-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1132288/gays-to-wed-at-st-matthews/|title=Gays to wed at St Matthew's?|last=DOW|first=AISHA|date=2012-11-19|access-date=2016-07-08|archive-date=18 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818051001/http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1132288/gays-to-wed-at-st-matthews/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, [[Sarah Macneil]], [[Bishop of Grafton]], has been affirming and supportive of LGBT clergy and relationships.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Porter|first1=Muriel|title=First woman diocesan for Australia consecrated|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/7-march/news/world/first-woman-diocesan-for-australia-consecrated|work=Church Times|access-date=2016-02-24|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120207/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/7-march/news/world/first-woman-diocesan-for-australia-consecrated|url-status=live}}</ref> So far, two cathedrals, the cathedral of the Diocese of Grafton and St. John's Cathedral in the Diocese of Brisbane have officially become supportive and affirming of LGBT people.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcoming Congregations |url=http://www.changingattitude.org.au/welcoming-congregations/ |website=changingattitude.org.au |publisher=Changing Attitude |access-date=2016-04-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319234444/http://www.changingattitude.org.au/welcoming-congregations/ |archive-date=2016-03-19 }}</ref> Towards the end of 2015, [[Greg Thompson (bishop)|Greg Thompson]], Bishop of Newcastle, called for conversation and has said that he opposes discrimination against LGBT people.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCarthy|first1=Joanne|title=Hunter bishops pragmatic about same-sex marriage|url=httphttps://www.theheraldnewcastleherald.com.au/story/3284977/bishops-pragmatic-about-same-sex-marriage/|work=The Herald|access-date=2016-02-24|url-status=deadlive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307220450/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3284977/bishops-pragmatic-about-same-sex-marriage/|archive-date=2016-03-07}}</ref> Also in 2015, the Social Responsibilities Committee of the Anglican Church in Southern Queensland endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Same-sex marriage: Arm of Anglican Church supports civil unions in Queensland|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/samesex-marriage-arm-of-anglican-church-supports-civil-unions-in-queensland/news-story/914883183990f524e74e6eee6ba1e68e|website=couriermail.org.au|publisher=Couriermail|access-date=2016-04-11|archive-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004134330/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/samesex-marriage-arm-of-anglican-church-supports-civil-unions-in-queensland/news-story/914883183990f524e74e6eee6ba1e68e|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Kay Goldsworthy]], [[Anglican Bishop of Gippsland|Bishop of Gippsland]], appointed an openly gay and partnered priest to another post.<ref>{{Cite news|url=httphttps://www.theheraldnewcastleherald.com.au/story/3743587/gay-clergy-tensions-before-anglican-conference/|title=Gay clergy 'tensions' before Anglican conference|last=MCCARTHY|first=JOANNE|date=2016-02-22|newspaper=Newcastle Herald|access-date=2016-10-24|archive-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305103725/https://www.theherald.com.au/story/3743587/gay-clergy-tensions-before-anglican-conference/|url-status=deadlive}}</ref> Also, in 2016, [[Garry Weatherill]], [[Anglican Diocese of Ballarat|Bishop of Ballarat]], announced his support for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-15/bishop-of-ballarat-declares-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage/7848728|title=Ballarat's Anglican Bishop declares support for same-sex marriage|newspaper=ABC News|date=2016-09-15|access-date=2016-09-16|archive-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916014155/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-15/bishop-of-ballarat-declares-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage/7848728|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2016, St Andrew's Church in the Diocese of Perth publicly blessed a same-sex union.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-08/christian-priest-running-lgbti-parish-service/7910020|title=Anglican priest running LGBTI parish service in Perth|date=2016-10-08|newspaper=ABC News|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202184435/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-08/christian-priest-running-lgbti-parish-service/7910020|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Archdeacon Peter MacLeod-Miller "conducted an unofficial hand-clasping ceremony" for a same-sex couple.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5341157/anglican-church-still-equality-free-zone-for-same-sex-couples/|title=Anglican Church still 'equality-free zone' for same-sex couples|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-04-13|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5337492/gary-and-andys-hard-fought-marriage-becomes-a-very-special-day/|title=Gary and Andy's hard-fought marriage becomes 'a very special day'|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-04-11|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-05-08}}</ref> The [[Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] and [[Anglican Diocese of Ballarat|Ballarat]] dioceses have voted to bless same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/news/business/5488069/church-says-blessings-should-be-for-same-sex-love-too/|title=Church says blessings should be for same-sex love too|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-06-25|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628124729/https://www.bordermail.com.au/news/business/5488069/church-says-blessings-should-be-for-same-sex-love-too/|archive-date=2018-06-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> The dean of St John's Cathedral in Brisbane, the Very Revd Peter Catt, wrote that he had been blessing same-sex unions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/it-is-time-for-churches-to-formally-recognise-same-sex-relationships-and-marriages-20180708-p4zq71.html|title=It is time for churches to formally recognise same-sex relationships and marriages|last=Catt|first=Peter|date=2018-07-08|website=Brisbane Times|access-date=2018-07-08}}</ref> The Dioceses of Wangaratta and Newcastle have approved of blessing rites for same-sex marriages.<ref name="Morgan"/><ref name="7news.com.au"/>

===Anglican Province of the Southern Cone of America===

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In December 2007, the convention of the [[Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin]], an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] diocese in [[Central Valley (California)|central]] [[California]], voted to leave the ECUSA and joined the [[Anglican Church of South America|Province of the Southern Cone]] as the [[Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin]]. A minority of the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal]] Diocese remained in the ECUSA. In October 2008, a majority of the convention of the [[Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh]] voted to leave ECUSA and affiliate with the [[Anglican Church of South America|Southern Cone]], resulting in [[Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh|one body affiliated with the Southern Cone]] and [[Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (Episcopal Church)|a second body remaining within ECUSA]]. The following month, the conventions of two more U.S. dioceses—the [[Anglican Diocese of Quincy]] in [[Illinois]] and the [[Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth]] in [[Texas]]—voted to leave ECUSA and affiliate with the Southern Cone. All were subsequently absorbed into the new [[Anglican Church in North America]].

However, some Anglican representatives from the Diocese of Uruguay expressed their support for the inclusion of same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lr21.com/comunidad/112756-curas-uruguayos-se-reconocen-gay-a-pesar-de-mantenerse-celibes|title=Curas uruguayos se reconocen gay a pesar de mantenerse célibes|website=LARED21|language=es-ES|access-date=2016-06-06}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil===

{{Main|Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil }}

The [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil]] is characterised by its [[progressive Christianity|progressive]] [[Theology|theological]] views on homosexuality. After the 1998 [[Lambeth]] Conference, the Anglican Church in Brazil decided to promote two national forums on [[human sexuality]], both held in [[Rio de Janeiro]]. Its decisions guided the policy. According to the final document, the consensus of the Brazilian Church is that [[human sexuality]] is a gift from [[God]], and it should be experienced in peace, freedom, love and respect. The Church has approved of the ordination of openly gay priests and has offered blessing services for same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://guiame.com.br/gospel/mundo-cristao/anglicanos-dividem-opinioes-sobre-homossexualidade.html|title=Anglicanos dividem opiniões sobre homossexualidade, Notícias Gospel|last=Guiame|website=Guiame|language=pt-BR|access-date=2016-04-13}}</ref> It is understood that the [[Christianity|Church]] should respect the privacy of its members and [[clergy]]. Any kind of public exposure of someone's [[sexual orientation]] (as a pre-requisite to be a member or take part of any ministry) violates this privacy. Because of that progressive position, the [[Bishop]] of the Diocese of Recife, still strongly [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]], Robinson Cavalcanti, declared Recife to be independent of the [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|Church of Brazil]], an action that resulted in his being deposed as a bishop by the [[Ecclesiastical Tribunal]].<ref>D. Orlando Santos de Oliveira, 17 June 2005. [http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/dojustice/j311b.html Canonical Trial # 001/2005 of Bishop Edward Robinson de Barros Cavalcanti]. Retrieved 2007-07-22.</ref> Among his main reasons, he pointed out that the Brazilian Church was sympathetic to the ordination of [[Gene Robinson]], as well as the ordination of all [[LGBTLGBTQ]] people. This split the Diocese of Recife in two: one part loyal to Orlando Santos de Oliveira, Primate of the [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil]] at the time, and currently coordinated by Bishop João Peixoto; and the other, under Cavalcanti's leadership, tied to the [[Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of the Americas|Anglican Church of the Southern Cone]].

In 2016, the Presiding&nbsp;Bishop convened an Extraordinary Synod to discuss adding same-sex marriage to the marriage canon; the proposal was not approved, but it was considered during General Synod in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sn.ieab.org.br/2016/06/30/primaz-convoca-gt-sobre-genero-sexualidades-e-direitos/|title=Primaz convoca GT sobre Gênero, Sexualidades e Direitos « SNIEAB|access-date=2016-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819000307/http://sn.ieab.org.br/2016/06/30/primaz-convoca-gt-sobre-genero-sexualidades-e-direitos/|archive-date=2016-08-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 1 June 2018, the General Synod voted to change the marriage canon to include same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://anglican.ink/article/ieab-synod-adopts-aame-sex-marriage-canon|title=IEAB synod adopts same-sex marriage canon|date=2018-06-01|work=Anglican Ink 2018 ©|access-date=2018-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605031906/http://anglican.ink/article/ieab-synod-adopts-aame-sex-marriage-canon|archive-date=2018-06-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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{{Main|Episcopal Church (United States)}}

{{See also|Integrity USA}}

In 2003, [[Episcopal Church (United States)|ECUSA]] became the first [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] province to ordain an openly gay priest in a same-sex relationship as a bishop; however, the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]]'s stance on [[LGBTLGBTQ]] matters had been debated for decades. In 1976, the Church's [[General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America|General Convention]] passed a resolution stating: "It is the sense of this General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church."<ref>The Archives of the Episcopal Church, [http://www.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution-complete.pl?resolution=1976-A069 Acts of Convention: Resolution #1976-A069]. Retrieved 2013-07-14.</ref> In 1977, the first openly gay and lesbian priest was ordained by [[Paul Moore Jr.]], [[Episcopal Diocese of New York|Bishop of New York]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/06/us/lesbian-ordained-episcopal-priest.html|title=LESBIAN ORDAINED EPISCOPAL PRIEST|last=Steinfels|first=Peter|date=1991-06-06|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref>

Various interpretations were held within the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]] on this resolution, ranging from the majority of [[diocese]]s that now ordain non-celibate [[gay]], [[lesbian]], [[Bisexuality|bisexual]], and [[transgender]] [[clergy]] to the minority group who founded the [[Anglican Communion Network]] which currently opposes such ordinations. On 23 June 2005, [[Episcopal Church (United States)|The Episcopal Church]] defined its meaning in a 130-page document entitled "To Set Our Hope on Christ":

<blockquote>We believe that God has been opening our eyes to acts of God that we had not known how to see before ... the eligibility for ordination of those in covenanted same-sex unions ... a person living in a same-gendered union may be eligible to lead the flock of Christ ... members of the Episcopal Church have discerned holiness in same-sex relationships and have come to support the blessing of such unions and the ordination or consecration of persons in those unions ... Their holiness stands in stark contrast with many sinful patterns of sexuality in the world ... The idea that there is only one correct way to read or interpret scripture is a rather modern idea.<ref>Jill Lawless, Associated Press, 21 June 2005. [http://aacblog.classicalanglican.net/archives/2005_06.html#000759 U.S. Episcopals Defend Openly Gay Bishop]. Accessed 2007-07-17.</ref></blockquote>

In July 2009, the [[General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America|General Convention]] voted to allow [[bishop]]s to [[blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|bless same-sex unions]], and also called for bishops to "collect and develop theological and liturgical resources" for possibly creating an [[Wedding|official rite]] for such ceremonies at the 2012 General Convention.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/us/16episcopal.html?_r=1 | work=The New York Times | title=Episcopal Bishops Give Ground on Gay Marriage | first=Laurie | last=Goodstein | date=16 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| |url=http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=94111 |title=Gays make advances at Episcopal confab |first=Chuck |last=Colbert |date=24 July 2009 |publisher=[[Edge Media Network]] |access-date=9 June 2010 |archive-date=30 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030112025/http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=94111 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2010, the Reverend Mally Lloyd and the Reverend [[Katherine Hancock Ragsdale]], two prominent [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal]] priests, married in a [[Wedding|ceremony]] at the [[Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Boston)|Cathedral Church of St. Paul]] in [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/01/06/Two_Lesbian_Priests_Tie_the_Knot/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108005623/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/01/06/Two_Lesbian_Priests_Tie_the_Knot/|url-status=dead|title=Advocate:Two Lesbian Priests Tie the Knot|archive-date=8 January 2011}}</ref>

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=== Episcopal Church of Cuba ===

{{Main|Episcopal Church of Cuba}}

At least one bishop of the extraprovincial diocese, [[Nerva Cot Aguilera]], stated that she supported the ordination of openly gay and lesbian priests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cubaencuentro.com/txt/cuba/noticias/la-iglesia-episcopal-ordena-en-cuba-a-la-primera-mujer-obispo-de-america-latina-37113|title=La Iglesia Episcopal ordena en Cuba a la primera mujer obispo de América Latina|website=www.cubaencuentro.com|access-date=2016-07-02}}</ref> The Episcopal Church of Cuba is now a Diocese of The Episcopal Church, based in the USA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petersen |first=Kirk |date=2020-02-15 |title=¡Cuba Sí! TEC Officially Welcomes Its Newest Diocese |url=https://livingchurch.org/news/cuba-si-tec-officially-welcomes-its-newest-diocese/ |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Church in the Province of the West Indies===

{{Main|Church in the Province of the West Indies}}

The church defines marriage as a union of one man with one woman and does not bless same-sex unions while supporting the legalization of homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://anglican.ink/2020/01/27/west-indies-will-not-bless-same-sex-unions-says-barbados-bishop/|title=West Indies will not bless same-sex unions, says Barbados bishop|last=Conger|first=George|date=2020-01-27|website=Anglican Ink © 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref> [[Archbishop]] Gomez has said [[Gene Robinson]]'s ordination is incompatible with [[Bible|Scripture]].<ref name=factfile /> In 2017, [[John Holder (bishop)|John Holder]], Archbishop of the West&nbsp;Indies, stated that there is no biblical support for anti-sodomy laws and urged Jamaica to repeal its laws against gay and lesbian relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/archbishop-of-the-wi-says_113834?profile=1606|title=Archbishop of the WI says Bible does not support anti-sodomy laws|last=Limited|first=Jamaica Observer|website=Jamaica Observer|access-date=2017-11-09}}</ref> In 2019, the province elected [[Howard Gregory (bishop)|Howard Gregory]], [[Bishop of Jamaica]], as archbishop;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2019/05/bishop-of-jamaica-howard-gregory-elected-to-serve-as-archbishop-of-the-west-indies.aspx|title=Bishop of Jamaica, Howard Gregory, elected to serve as Archbishop of the West Indies|website=www.anglicannews.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-06-07}}</ref> Gregory supports the [[LGBT rights by country or territory|decriminalization same-gender sexual relationships]] and supports the [[LGBT rights in Jamaica|legalization]] of homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.intomore.com/impact/leader-says-jamaica-evolving-on-lgbtq-rights-would-allow-gay-cabinet-member|title=Leader Says Jamaica 'Evolving' on LGBTQ Rights, Would Allow Gay Cabinet Member|website=www.intomore.com|date=17 April 2018 |access-date=2019-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/07/24/prominent-jamaican-bishop-backs-sodomy-law-repeal/|title=Prominent Jamaican bishop backs sodomy law repeal|date=2017-07-24|website=Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-07}}</ref>

===Church of the Province of Central Africa===

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===Church of Nigeria===

{{Main|Church of Nigeria}}

The Church remains sharply opposed to homosexuality, calling it "a perversion of human dignity".<ref name=Message2nation>Peter Akinola, [http://www.anglican-nig.org/PH2006message2nation.htm Message to the nation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312203933/http://www.anglican-nig.org/PH2006message2nation.htm |date=12 March 2007 }}. Retrieved 2007-07-17.</ref> In 2005, [[Peter Akinola]], then Primate of All Nigeria, spoke out against the Church of England's decision to allow priests to enter into same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/revd.akinolas.response.to.church.of.england.civil.partnerships.stance/3642.htm|title=Revd Akinola's Response to Church of England Civil Partnerships Stance {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=8 August 2005 |access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref> The Church of Nigeria amended its constitution to remove reference to Canterbury as the 'mother' church of the Anglican Communion, and replaced that reference with a statement of being in communion with Anglican churches professing "historic faith".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/nigerian.church.new.constitution.redefines.relationship.with.canterbury./3994.htm|title=Nigerian Church New Constitution Redefines Relationship with Canterbury|last=BST|firstauthor=Maria Mackay Mon 19 Sep 2005 16:30|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=19 September 2005 |language=en|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref>

In March 2009, the Church declared itself in full communion with the [[Anglican Church in North America]], a denomination formed by American and Canadian Anglicans who opposed their national churches' actions with regard to homosexuality and [[Marriage equality|equality]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/church-of-nigeria-in-full-comm.html |title=Church of Nigeria in full communion with Anglican Church of North America |first=Sam |last=Hodges |newspaper=The Dallas Morning News |date=20 March 2009 |access-date=2009-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625082835/http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/church-of-nigeria-in-full-comm.html |archive-date=2009-06-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2013, [[Nicholas Okoh]], Primate of All&nbsp;Nigeria, opposed the Church of England's decision to allow gay bishops, even if celibate, to enter into civil unions.<ref>{{Cite news |lasturl=Editorhttp://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-anglican-africa-gay-idUKBRE90909Q20130110 |first=Tom |last=Heneghan |date=January 10, Religion2013 |title=African Anglicans denounce Church of England gay bishop rule |newspaper=Reuters UK|access-date=August 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117144703/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-anglican-africa-gay-idUKBRE90909Q20130110 |accessarchive-date=2016-11-16}}{{dead17 link|date=November 20232016}}</ref>

In March 2021, the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], [[Justin Welby]], said that Ndukuba's call for "the virus" of homosexuality to be "expunged" was "...unacceptable. It dehumanises those human beings of whom the statement speak".<ref name="Sherwood">{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=6 March 2021 |title=Justin Welby condemns Nigerian archbishop's gay 'virus' comments |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/06/justin-welby-condemns-nigerian-archbishop-henry-ndukuba-gay-virus-comments |access-date=6 March 2021}}</ref>

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| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160813112145/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/03/27/la-formacion-de-un-ministerio-para-los-hbt-en-el-salvador/

| url-status = dead

}}</ref> In 2014, the Episcopal Church of Costa Rica, a diocese of the province, took steps towards welcoming the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/06/iglesia-de-costa-rica-toma-pasos-para-dar-la-bienvenida-a-la-comunidad-lgbtq/|title=Iglesia de Costa Rica toma pasos para dar la bienvenida a la comunidad LGBTQ|date=2014-03-06|access-date=2016-07-06|archive-date=13 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813112607/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/06/iglesia-de-costa-rica-toma-pasos-para-dar-la-bienvenida-a-la-comunidad-lgbtq/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Diocese of Guatemala elected Silvestre Enrique Romero as bishop coadjutor in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=httphttps://www.diomass.org/diocesan-news/silvestre-romero-elected-bishop-coadjutor-diocese-guatemala-0 |title=Silvestre Romero elected bishop coadjutor of Diocese of Guatemala {{!}} |website=The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts |websiteaccess-date=August 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716063954/https://www.diomass.org|access/diocesan-date=2017news/silvestre-06romero-12}}elected-bishop-coadjutor-diocese-guatemala-0 {{dead link|archive-date=DecemberJuly 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes16, 2017}}</ref> Prior to being elected bishop, Romero served in [[Episcopal Church (United States)|The Episcopal Church (US)]], and offered to bless same-sex unions as priest-in-charge.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stpeterssalem.org/pages/wedding_guidelines.htm |title=St. Peter ~ San Pedro |website=www.stpeterssalem.org |access-date=2017-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731200807/http://www.stpeterssalem.org/pages/wedding_guidelines.htm |archive-date=2016-07-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Anglican Church of Mexico===

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In its general synod 2010 by initiative of its own primate Carlos Touché-Porter, synod delegates overwhelmingly approved stringent prohibition against blessings of same-gender couples.

The Anglican Church of Mexico only recognizes heterosexual marriage as the standard for canonical marriage in the church. Upon the approval of gay civil marriage in Mexico, then Primate [[Francisco Moreno (bishop)|Francisco Moreno]] expressed that the official stance of the Anglican Church of Mexico will continue in spite of secular legislation.<ref name="vanguardia.com.mx">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/articulo/anglicanos-y-mormones-contra-matrimonios-gay|title=Anglicanos y mormones contra matrimonios gay|website=Vanguardia|date=10 June 2016 |access-date=2016-06-18}}</ref> However, the Anglican Church of Mexico, like the other North American provinces, has expressed in some particular instances more liberal views regarding gender and sexuality. Still, [[Francisco Moreno (bishop)|Francisco Moreno]], Archbishop of Mexico, has opposed same-sex unions and the current canons do not provide for them.<ref name="vanguardia.com.mx"/> In 2007, Carlos Touché&nbsp;Porter, then-Presiding Bishop, became a patron of [[Inclusive Church]] (a charity based in England) advocating for '"a liberal, open church which is inclusive of all,' regardless of race, gender or sexuality".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/article/scotland-primus-becomes-co-patron-inclusive-church|title=SCOTLAND: Primus becomes co-patron of Inclusive Church {{!}} Episcopal Church|website=www.episcopalchurch.org|access-date=2016-07-06}}</ref> Touché&nbsp;Porter also affirmed that Gene Robinson was not the first gay cleric, but that he was simply being honest.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Figueroa|first1=Héctor|title=Habrá obispo mexicana en unos años: Iglesia Anglicana|url=http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/2014/07/20/971841|website=excelsior.com.mx|date=20 July 2014|publisher=Excelsior|access-date=2016-02-10}}</ref> He also supported the ordination of openly gay clergy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/archbishops-gay-plea-640318|title=Archbishop's gay plea|last=Qureshi|first=Yakub|date=2007-10-03|access-date=2016-07-06}}</ref> and his diocese, the Diocese of Mexico, unofficially "permits clergy in same-sex relationships to serve in the ministry".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://geoconger.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/mexico-backs-anglican-covenant-the-church-of-england-newspaper-july-9-2010-p-5/|title=Mexico backs Anglican Covenant: The Church of England Newspaper, July 9, 2010 p 5|date=2010-07-17|website=Conger|access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchnewspaper.com/?s=Mexico|title=Mexico backs Anglican Covenant|last=Conger|first=George|date=7 August 2010|website=churchnewspaper.com|publisher=The Church of England Newspaper|access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Furthermore, in 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI approached the Anglican Church with the possibility of joining the Catholic Church over issues of sexuality, Touché&nbsp;Porter, then-Presiding Bishop, reassured the Mexican province that he supported remaining within the Anglican Communion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ramírez|first1=Mariana Viayra|title=Anglicanos mexicanos rechazan unirse a la Iglesia católica|url=http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2009/467560.html|website=cronica.com.mx|publisher=La Crónica|access-date=2016-02-10|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219205914/http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2009/467560.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Yet in 2010 Carlos Touché-Porter backtracked and promoted a stringent prohibition of any blessing of same-gender couples which was approved by the nation synod by a significant majority of delegates.

Also in 2008, Sergio Carranza, retired Bishop of (Central) Mexico, expressed support for the ordination of gay clergy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2008/01/truly-orthodox-anglicans.html|title=An Inch at a Time: Reflections on the Journey: "THE TRULY ORTHODOX ANGLICANS"|last=Russell|first=Susan|date=2008-01-31|website=An Inch at a Time|access-date=2016-12-19}}</ref> Among the affirming churches, St. Mark's Anglican Church in Guadalajara, Jalisco is publicly supportive of gay, lesbian, and transgender members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gaychurch.org/find_a_church/list-churches-by-country/?loc=Mexico|title=List Churches by Country - GayChurch.org|website=GayChurch.org|access-date=2016-04-30}}</ref> Nevertheless, on the other side, Francisco Moreno, then-Presiding Bishop, has indicated that he supports marriage as defined "between a man and a woman".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/articulo/anglicanos-y-mormones-contra-matrimonios-gay|title=Anglicanos y mormones contra matrimonios gay|date=10 June 2016 |access-date=2016-07-06}}</ref>

In 2015, at least one congregation "opened its doors" to bless same-gender couples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://globalmedia.mx/noticia/45093/que-dios-bendiga-a-pareja-gay-que-se-caso-arzobispo|title=Que Dios bendiga a pareja gay que se casó: Arzobispo|website=GlobalMedia Noticias|language=es-ES|access-date=2016-06-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803042733/http://globalmedia.mx/noticia/45093/que-dios-bendiga-a-pareja-gay-que-se-caso-arzobispo|archive-date=2016-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pulsoslp.com.mx/2015/08/21/anglicanos-abren-las-puertas-a-gays-en-slp-bendicion-de-parejas-homosexuales-en-analisis/|title=Anglicanos abren las puertas a gays en SLP; bendición de parejas homosexuales, en análisis – Pulso Diario de San Luis|website=pulsoslp.com.mx|access-date=2016-06-17|archive-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809170812/http://pulsoslp.com.mx/2015/08/21/anglicanos-abren-las-puertas-a-gays-en-slp-bendicion-de-parejas-homosexuales-en-analisis/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The church has discussed same-gender unions at its General Synod.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pulsoslp.com.mx/2015/08/24/poco-probable-que-iglesia-catolica-modifique-codigo-canonico-para-bendecir-a-gays-cabrero/|title=Poco probable, que Iglesia católica modifique código canónico para bendecir a gays: Cabrero – Pulso Diario de San Luis|website=pulsoslp.com.mx|access-date=2016-06-17|archive-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809174347/http://pulsoslp.com.mx/2015/08/24/poco-probable-que-iglesia-catolica-modifique-codigo-canonico-para-bendecir-a-gays-cabrero/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, [[Ricardo Gomez&nbsp;Osnaya]], [[Bishop of Western Mexico]], licensed an openly gay and married priest to serve within the diocese.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 March 2019|title=Christ Church By the Sea: Rector|url=http://www.christchurchbythesea.org/father-bob/}}</ref> In 2021, Julio C. Martin and the [[Diocese of Southeastern Mexico|Diocese of the Southeast]] officially participated in and supported LGBT Pride, calling for the legalization of civil same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Xalapa|first=Maribel Sánchez {{!}} Diario de|title=Obispo anglicano pide autorizar matrimonios gay|url=https://www.diariodexalapa.com.mx/local/obispo-anglicano-pide-autorizar-matrimonios-igualitarios-en-mexico-6877054.html|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Diario de Xalapa {{!}} Noticias Locales, Policiacas, sobre México, Veracruz, y el Mundo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Marcha Iglesia Anglicana por la diversidad sexual y el matrimonio igualitario en Xalapa {{!}} La Jornada Veracruz|url=http://www.jornadaveracruz.com.mx/Post.aspx?id=210620_121425_862|access-date=2021-07-07|website=www.jornadaveracruz.com.mx|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184942/http://www.jornadaveracruz.com.mx/Post.aspx?id=210620_121425_862|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also in 2021, Martin proposed a draft version of a policy allowing the blessing of same-gender unions, and the proposed policy is not yet official and is under discussion and review.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Julio|date=21 April 2021|title=Directiva 1.2021|website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=288463622824768&set=a.102476271423505}}</ref>

As to gay marriage, the newest bishop in the Province has openly spoken in support of civil and ecclesiastical same-gender marriage, Canadian-educated Julio C. Martín, Bishop of the Southeast.<ref>://www.anglicanjournal.com/qa-nova-scotia-based-priest-elected-as-bishop-in-mexico/ Anglican Journal 17 June 2019] (Accessed 19 June 2019)</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Naughton |first1=Jim |title=Companions: A New Chapter Begins |url=https://episcopalchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thrive_F19_FNL_spreads.pdf |website=episcopalchicago.org |publisher=Episcopal Diocese of Chicago |access-date=20 March 2022 |page=10 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elsoldecordoba.com.mx/local/julio-cesar-martin-obispo-de-la-diocesis-anglicana-del-sureste-a-favor-de-bodas-gay-6876731.html|title=Obispo anglicano, a favor de bodas gay|first=Maribel Sánchez &#124; Diario de|last=Xalapa|website=El Sol de Córdoba &#124; Noticias Locales, Policiacas, sobre México, Veracruz y el Mundo}}</ref>

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{{Main|Anglican Church of Southern Africa}}

The canon law of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa states that "marriage by divine institution is a lifelong and exclusive union partnership between one man and one woman" and makes no provision for same-sex weddings or for blessing same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/canons/chapter-c34-disipline/|title=C34: OF HOLY MATRIMONY – Anglican Church of Southern Africa|website=anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2017-12-21}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Saldanha Bay]] has approved the blessing of same-sex civil unions as a provison on the diocesan level.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/churchs-decision-to-bless-same-sex-unions-hailed-17390688|title=Church's decision to bless same-sex unions hailed {{!}} Cape Times|access-date=2018-10-08}}</ref> At the same time, the church does not have an official stance on homosexuality itself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm|title=Anglican Church around the world|date=2008-07-15|access-date=2018-02-24}}</ref> However, it has been reported of [[Thabo Makgoba]], [[Anglican Diocese of Cape Town|Archbishop of Cape&nbsp;Town]], that "The Anglican Primate, [is] one among few church leaders in Africa to support same-sex marriage."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/why.this.archbishop.wept.when.his.church.rejected.gays/96936.htm|title=Why This Archbishop Wept When His Church Rejected Same-Sex Blessings {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=3 October 2016 |access-date=2016-12-12}}</ref> Makgoba and his working group on human sexuality have proposed a motion "… to amend Canon 34 which will enable ministry to those in Same Sex Unions and the LGBTI Community in the context in which ACSA operates in Southern Africa".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchnewspaper.com/49159/archives|title=South Africa Church plans to amend marriage Canon – ChurchNewspaper.com|website=www.churchnewspaper.com|access-date=2017-09-17}}</ref> In 2023, the Synod of Bishops agreed to develop "prayers of affirmation and acknowledgement for all faithful Anglicans who are in civil unions."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Bishops in Southern Africa agree to prayers but not blessings for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/10-march/news/world/bishops-in-southern-africa-agree-to-prayers-but-not-blessings-for-same-sex-couples |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=www.churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Paulsen |first=David |date=2023-03-06 |title=Southern Africa bishops OK prayers for same-sex couples, won't offer blessings, marriage |url=https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2023/03/06/southern-africa-bishops-ok-prayers-for-same-sex-couples-wont-offer-blessings-marriage/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2023-03-08 |title=South Africa: Anglican Bishops to Publish Prayers for Same-Sex Couples |language=en |work=Anglican Church of Southern Africa |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202303080106.html |access-date=2023-03-08}}</ref>

A previous archbishop, [[Desmond Tutu]], said that: "The [[Jesus]] I worship is not likely to collaborate with those who vilify and persecute an already oppressed minority&nbsp;[...]. I could not myself keep quiet whilst people were being penalised for something about which they could do nothing, their sexuality. For it is so improbable that any sane, normal person would deliberately choose a lifestyle exposing him or her to so much vilification, opprobrium and physical abuse, even death. To discriminate against our sisters and brothers who are lesbian or gay on grounds of their sexual orientation for me is as totally unacceptable and unjust as Apartheid ever was."<ref>Desmond Tutu, 1 February 2004.[http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/12039.htm Sermon at Southwark Cathedral] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041226215620/http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/12039.htm |date=26 December 2004 }}. Accessed 2007-03-22.</ref>

Line 506 ⟶ 510:

In 2016, [[Raphael Hess]], [[Bishop of Sadanha Bay]], gave permission for an Anglican priest to officiate at a service of celebration for [[Mpho Tutu]] and her partner.<ref name="anglican"/> When Tutu surrendered her licence to avoid controversy, Hess stated that he "hoped it would be short-lived" and that he is proposing to change policy to welcome her back. Her father, Desmond Tutu, gave "a father's blessing".<ref name="telegraph.co.uk" />

Currently, priests may not enter into a same-sex marriage, but the church does allow "same-sex relationships if they are celibate".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/mpho-tutu-van-furth-its-painful-to-step-down-from-my-priestly-ministry|title=Desmond Tutu's daughter: 'painful' to give up ministry after marrying woman |last=correspondentSherwood |first=Harriet Sherwood Religion|date=2016-06-09|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-12-12}}</ref> Also in 2016, Makgoba said "we also tried at the Synod of Bishops to draw up guidelines for clergy wanting to bless couples in same-sex unions, or who want to enter same-sex unions themselves ... On this issue, I had to report back to the Synod, the only agreement we reached is that we were not of one mind".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/synod-of-bishops-of-the-anglican-church-of-southern-africa/|title=Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa|date=2016-02-23|access-date=2016-07-24}}</ref> Yet, the bishops did agree that LGBT people, including members in same-sex marriages, are affirmed as "full members" of the church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2016/02/22/Anglican-bishops-declare-gay%E2%80%9A-lesbian-couples-full-members-of-the-church|title=Anglican bishops declare gay' lesbian couples 'full members' of the church|last=Digital|first=TMG|website=Times LIVE|access-date=2016-07-24}}</ref>

The [[Diocese of Saldanha Bay]] proposed the blessing of same-gender unions and the licensing of LGBTI priests in civil marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2016/08/southern-african-synod-to-consider-blessing-same-sex-civil-unions.aspx|title=Southern African synod to consider blessing same-sex civil unions|website=www.anglicannews.org|access-date=2016-08-18}}</ref> During the provincial synod, the proposal did not receive enough votes and was not passed.<ref name="episcopaldigitalnetwork">{{Cite web|url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/09/30/anglican-church-of-southern-africa-rejects-blessing-of-same-sex-civil-unions/|title=Anglican Church of Southern Africa rejects blessing of same-sex civil unions|date=2016-09-30|access-date=2016-09-30|archive-date=1 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001201435/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/09/30/anglican-church-of-southern-africa-rejects-blessing-of-same-sex-civil-unions/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Makgoba, however, declared that "all is not lost". He said the issue might hopefully be taken up again at the next provincial synod in 2019. He also said the issue could be discussed at the local level in parishes and dioceses.<ref name="episcopaldigitalnetwork"/> Makgoba further noted how relatively liberal the province is saying "As it was, the degree of support for the motion was quite substantial if you compare us to other African provinces of the Anglican Church, most of which are vigorously opposed to same-sex unions in any form."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org/2016/10/the-anglican-church-of-southern-africas.html|title=The Anglican Church of Southern Africa's debate on human sexuality – Archbishop Thabo Makgoba|website=archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2018-06-06}}</ref> He also voiced his support for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/why.this.archbishop.wept.when.his.church.rejected.gays/96936.htm|title=Why This Archbishop Wept When His Church Rejected Same-Sex Blessings {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=3 October 2016 |access-date=2016-10-05}}</ref>

The [[Diocese of False Bay]] has also been supportive of LGBTI clergy and members having celebrated the ministry of one of its openly gay priests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.falsebaydiocese.org.za/2010/04/24/sermon-upon-the-retirement-of-dean-rowan-smith/|title=Sermon Upon the Retirement of Dean Rowan Smith {{!}} Diocese of False Bay|last=admin|access-date=2016-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001214203/https://www.falsebaydiocese.org.za/2010/04/24/sermon-upon-the-retirement-of-dean-rowan-smith/|archive-date=2016-10-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Anglican Diocese of Pretoria|Diocese of Pretoria]] joined the list of dioceses that support same-sex marriage in the Anglican Church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/more-ructions-in-anglican-church-over-same-sex-marriage-11238628|title=More ructions in Anglican church over same-sex marriage {{!}} IOL News|access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref> At least one priest, who is in a same-sex relationship with his partner, has spoken to the press acknowledging that the church ordained him knowing of his relationship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mg.co.za/article/2016-10-06-anglican-church-speaks-with-two-tongues-on-same-sex-unions|title=Anglican church speaks with two tongues on same-sex unions|last=Collison|first=Carl|newspaper=The M&G Online|access-date=2016-12-12}}</ref>

In a pastoral letter published on 2 March 2017, the Bench of Bishops said that they continue to discuss "the Pastoral Guidelines for ministry to those in same-sex relationships, which are still incomplete. We asked Archbishop Thabo to set up a small group of Bishops to work on completing them, together with others who could help the process."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/a-pastoral-letter-from-your-bishops-2/|title=A Pastoral Letter From Your Bishops – Anglican Church of Southern Africa|website=anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2017-05-04}}</ref> Makgoba is proposing a change to the canons following that process. In 2019, the Provincial Synod approved a motion to establish a permanent commission on human sexuality and to refer a report to dioceses that recommends allowing each diocese to choose to offer prayers for a couple following a same-sex civil union; on a third motion to request the Bishops provide guidelines for ministry to LGBTQI people, the synod was deadlocked, and did not pass, in a tied vote of 75 in favour to 75 against.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/provincial-synod-resumes-debate-on-human-sexuality/|title=Provincial Synod resumes debate on human sexuality – Anglican Church of Southern Africa|website=anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2019-09-29}}</ref> In 2023, the Archbishop's Commission on Human Sexuality proposed allowing clergy to bless same-sex civil unions; the Synod of Bishops rejected the proposal for blessings but did agree to allow prayers to be said to affirm and acknowledge same-sex couples in civil unions.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /> On April 25, 2024, the church published draft prayers to be said with same-sex couples, asking members of the church to study the draft prayers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Makgoba |first=Thabo |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Archbishop urges Anglicans to study draft prayers for ministry to same-sex couples |url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/archbishop-urges-anglicans-to-study-draft-prayers-for-ministry-to-same-sex-couples/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3lF4Yoc5c-mGL9bif5zS89ATlg8RYwPO-beLmjFKwYItiCDaDnpEFvreE_aem_AZWevl5mQlHf9anhsvtl57SyxGQ1HB2EwJ9VL6yn_TTFtjztCsahYAre0cOApod65OvISA4w6VHc4O8lC9EU1lK0 |website=Anglican Church of Southern Africa }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The drafted prayers include both blessings for same-sex couples and prayers acknowledging disagreement with same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-09 |title=Eclectic Prayers for Same-Sex South African Couples |url=https://livingchurch.org/2024/05/09/eclectic-prayers-for-same-sex-south-african-couples/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Episcopal Church of the Sudan===

Line 537 ⟶ 541:

===Church of Uganda===

{{Main|Church of Uganda}}

The Ugandan church cut ties with its North American counterparts over homosexuality. It declared itself in full communion with the [[Anglican Church in North America]], a denomination not recognised by the Anglican Communion that was formed by lay and [[clergy]] members who had left [[Episcopal Church (United States)|The Episcopal Church]] and the [[Anglican Church of Canada]] over matters of [[LGBTLGBTQ]] inclusion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acnaassembly.org/index2.php/acna/page/109 |title=Church of Uganda Declares itself in Full Communion with Anglican Church in North America |author=Church of Uganda |publisher=Anglican Church in North America |access-date=2009-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628104434/http://www.acnaassembly.org/index2.php/acna/page/109 |archive-date=2009-06-28}}</ref>

In 2005, [[Henry Luke Orombi]], then [[Archbishop of Uganda]], criticised the Church of England for permitting priests to enter into same-sex civil partnerships.<ref name="christiantoday"/> In 2013, [[Stanley Ntagali]], Archbishop of Uganda, maintained opposition to clergy in civil unions opposing the Church of England's decision to allow bishops to register a civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1312365/ntagali-attacks-church-england-gay-bishops|title=Ntagali attacks Church of England over gay bishops|newspaper=newvision.co.ug|access-date=2016-12-17|archive-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621084816/http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1312365/ntagali-attacks-church-england-gay-bishops|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ntagali stated that "to allow clergy in civil partnerships to be eligible to become Bishops is really no different from allowing gay Bishops. This decision violates our Biblical faith and agreements within the Anglican Communion."<ref name="churchnewspaper">{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchnewspaper.com/30492/archives|title=African outrage over civil partnership decision|last=Conger|first=George|date=16 January 2013|website=churchnewspaper.com|access-date=2017-10-09|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402161500/http://www.churchnewspaper.com/30492/archives|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ntagali compared England's decision to those made in other western Anglican provinces. "Sadly we must also declare that if the Church of England continues in this contrary direction we must further separate ourselves from it and we are prepared to take the same actions as those prompted by the decisions of The Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada ten years ago."<ref name="churchnewspaper"/>

=== Church of Melanesia ===

{{Main|Church of Melanesia}}In 1998, the Council of Bishops requested that [[Terry Brown (bishop)|Terry Brown]], [[Bishop of Malaita]], "draft a study paper on homosexuality for the Church of Melanesia&nbsp;...".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/dojustice/j194.html|title=Further Reflections on Homosexuality, Christian Faith and the Church|last=Brown|first=Terry|date=2000|website=rci.rutgers.edu|publisher=Rutgers|access-date=2016-05-03|archive-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527094025/http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/dojustice/j194.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007, Brown reflected on his experience "as an 'out' gay man serving as bishop".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/another_gay_bishop/|title=Another Gay bishop|date=2007-09-07|website=Episcopal Cafe|access-date=2016-05-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220091332/http://www.episcopalcafe.com/another_gay_bishop/|archive-date=2016-02-20}}</ref>

=== Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church ===

{{Main|Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church}}

On 22 March 2017, the Synod of the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church released a statement of support expressing its solidarity with the [[Spanish Evangelical Church]] after the latter had accepted same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.periodistadigital.com/religion/espana/2017/03/22/religion-iglesia-confesiones-espana-madrid-los-anglicanos-se-solidarizan-con-la-iglesia-evangelica-espanola.shtml|title=Los anglicanos se solidarizan con la Iglesia Evangélica Española|last=Madrid|first=Ministros anglicanos de|access-date=2017-05-04}}</ref> In supporting the Spanish Evangelical Church, the Episcopal Synod joined LGBT advocacy groups by protesting its removal from the Evangelical Council of Madrid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://protestantedigital.com/ciudades/41763/Solidaridad_de_IERE_y_colectivos_LGTB_con_la_IEE_en_contra_del_CEM|title=Anglicanos y colectivos LGTB apoyan una iglesia inclusiva dentro del CEM|website=protestantedigital|access-date=2017-05-04}}</ref> [[Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans|GAFCON]], a conservative association of Anglican churches, formed a rival alternative church structure in Spain in opposition to the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Media Release {{!}} GAFCON |url=https://www.gafcon.org/news/media-release |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=www.gafcon.org}}</ref>

=== Episcopal Church of South Sudan ===

{{Main|Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan}}

As of 2023, South Sudan's Episcopal Church is strongly opposed to homosexuality. Reverend Justin Badi Arama is the Primate of the [[Episcopal Church of South Sudan]]. He also has the role of Chairman of the [[Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches]], a conservative group of Anglican provinces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Organisation Chart |url=https://www.thegsfa.org/orgchart |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=GSFA |language=en}}</ref> Badi has affirmed that "marriage is between man and a woman", and has urged the Anglican communion to impose sanctions on provinces that allow same sex marriages to be conducted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ninrew |first=Chany |date=2022-07-30 |title="Marriage is between man and woman," says Archishop Badi |url=https://www.eyeradio.org/marriage-is-between-man-and-woman-says-archishop-badi/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=Eye Radio |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church ===

{{Main article|Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church}}

In 2020, the Bishop of the Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church in Portugal, Jorge Pina Cabral, re-affirmed that the church recognized the Archbishop of Canterbury as the "first among equals" among the bishops of the Anglican Communion and that he supports allowing a diversity of views within the Anglican Communion on human sexuality, saying he favors reconciliation among the member churches of the Communion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palestra nos Rotários de Coimbra - Bispo Jorge Pina Cabral - Igreja Lusitana - Comunhão Anglicana - Anglican Church |url=https://www.igreja-lusitana.org/index.php/publicacoes/noticias/778-palestra-nos-rotarios-de-coimbra-bispo-jorge-pina-cabral |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=www.igreja-lusitana.org}}</ref>

==See also==

{{Portal|Christianity|LGBTLGBTQ}}

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