The Bishop of Carlisle and the Bishop of Penrith note the outcome of the General Synod debate around Living in Love and Faith and are calling for a period in which people across the Diocese can “pause, reflect and pray”.

It follows yesterday’s General Synod vote in favour of proposed prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God’s blessing for same-sex couples and to “lament and repent” the failure of the Church to welcome LGBTQI+ people. The motion that was carried also endorsed the decision of the College and House of Bishops not to propose any change to the doctrine of marriage. This was further reinforced by an amendment agreed by Synod.

Bishop James joined seven other Diocesan representatives who are General Synod members – three representing the House of Clergy and four the House of Laity – at the debate, which spanned two days.

Bishop James and Bishop Rob said: “We recognise how difficult and challenging a process this has been for the Church to address, both collectively and individually. Many words have been spoken and written about these issues offering markedly different views.

“We both feel time is now needed for the Church to pause, reflect and pray. There is still much to do following the Synod. We understand that for different reasons there will be people who feel particularly troubled about where we have got to and it is imperative that we hold one another deeply in our prayers as together we continue to look to God for the next steps.

“We have previously written a Pastoral Letter to all clergy which drew on the Living in Love and Faith debate and plan to circulate a further letter in the coming days which will, in turn, be shared more widely.”

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.