House of Bishops' statement on Civil Partnerships

This week’s meeting of the College of Bishops was the first opportunity for the bishops meeting together to consider the House of Bishops’ statement on Civil Partnerships. Bishop Karen, Bishop Andrew and I are grateful for the Archbishops’ statement (see below) that has subsequently been issued.

There is a range of views among the bishops on matters of marriage, relationships and sexuality. All bishops are required to uphold the teaching of the Church of England and its current pastoral practice.

We are seeking to navigate faithfulness to Christian teaching, changing circumstances and the diversity of views within the Church as well as society. These matters are undoubtedly complex. As bishops we want to do this with respect for our unity, with truth and love for one another whilst affirming what is good and loving in real lives. We hope that the Archbishops’ statement will go some way to rebuilding confidence and trust.

+Nicholas Sarum   +Karen Sherborne   +Andrew Ramsbury

Statement from Archbishop Justin and Archbishop Sentamu following the College of Bishops Meeting:

We as Archbishops, alongside the bishops of the Church of England, apologise and take responsibility for releasing a statement last week which we acknowledge has jeopardised trust. We are very sorry and recognise the division and hurt this has caused.

At our meeting of the College of Bishops of the Church of England this week we continued our commitment to the Living in Love and Faith project which is about questions of human identity, sexuality and marriage. This process is intended to help us all to build bridges that will enable the difficult conversations that are necessary as, together, we discern the way forward for the Church of England.