The reason for the split is very surprising.
As the General Synod approaches, the Church of England is grappling with internal conflict over its stance on same-sex blessings and church law. This contentious issue has been highlighted by three significant letters from the orthodox wing of the church, representing over 2,000 clergy members, indicating a potential schism.
In 2023, the Church of England allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, but only in regular public services, not private ceremonies such as weddings. The upcoming Synod will consider a proposal to introduce standalone blessing services for same-sex couples on a trial basis. While these services would not be recognized as marriages, conservative members argue that this move significantly diverges from traditional church practices.
The first of the three letters, written by 11 orthodox bishops, calls for a “sufficient consensus” on doctrinal issues and warns that proceeding without such agreement could lead to deep divisions within the church. The bishops argue that the current proposals lack necessary support and urge the Synod to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of further doctrinal discussions.
A second letter from “The Alliance,” an orthodox group, threatens the establishment of a “parallel province” within the Church of England if the blessings go ahead. Signed by over 25 church leaders, this letter accuses the House of Bishops of deviating from church doctrine and not following proper legal procedures. The Alliance aligns itself with the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans Assembly, calling for a global leadership reset due to perceived failures by the Church of England.
The third letter, from the Society of St. Wilfred and St. Hilda, an Anglo-Catholic group, is less confrontational but raises similar concerns. It highlights the emotional toll the debates are taking on LGBT Christians and calls for thorough theological reflection by the Faith and Order Commission of the House of Bishops. Meanwhile, some parishes, including Canterbury Cathedral, have already begun offering same-sex blessings as part of their regular services, reflecting the ongoing changes and debates within the church.