OneBodyOneFaith’s Position on the LLF Report
The Board of OneBodyOneFaith, representing our members as best we can, is grateful for the labour that has been poured into Living in Love and Faith by so many: from participants to planners – the desire for and demonstration of dialogue is profound.
OneBodyOneFaith is committed to advocating for positive change for LGBT+ people in church traditions in the UK and beyond and continue to offer our role as a “critical friend” in these conversations – bringing our skills and learning from other denominations and traditions too.
We believe that a significant aspect of this change must include broader affirmation of LGBT+ relationships in the Church of England, for which are glad that the LLF report shows significant agreement from respondents – particularly lay folk. It is our conviction that there ought to be no difference in law or practice that prevents LGBT+ people from receiving rites and sacraments, including marriage. We accept, however, that the arc towards justice is often long, and we recognise any step towards the blessing of relationships between LGBT+ people is significant.
We hear the lament and fatigue in the voices, reflections and experiences of LGBT+ people, as well as those who are cisgender, heterosexual, and affirming, that sexuality and gender identity continue to be divisive. We call for the Church of England to move forward from these discussions, using LLF as the platform to do so, and not shy away from the results: it is time for change. We also call for a right to pastoral care from affirming, inclusive clergy to be available – we have led on this with Rhythm, and would be delighted to share from our resources.
As such, we call for the Bishops in the Church of England to acknowledge that the time for public silence has passed; the Church of England is seeking your leadership as the way ahead is charted together.
OneBodyOneFaith and our members hold to our faith and charitable convictions with integrity. As such, we would never ask nor expect anyone to act in a way that was contrary to their own convictions and expression of faith – including the blessing of same-sex couples and their relationships. It is our hope, and the hope of many of those who participated in LLF, that despite our differences we can remain in communion with one another. The most recent Lambeth Conference in many ways demonstrated that this is indeed possible.
In this regard, it is important to recognise that other Anglican Churches within Great Britain and other denominations are in different places on these questions. We note that currently the position of the Church of England prevents Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) which include it from registering for same-sex marriages, even where the building is owned by a denomination which permits that. We believe that the nature of LEPs and the Church of England’s covenant relationship with the Methodist Church in Britain requires some arrangements to enable same-sex marriages to take place in such LEPs and for permission for Church of England clergy who serve those LEPs to be involved in same-sex marriages in some capacity.
We remain concerned that LGBT+ people are demonstrably at risk of harm in Church contexts, and we will continue to advocate for a better understanding and practice of safeguarding for LGBT+ people within the Church of England and beyond. Whilst we welcome the approach to providing space for dialogue and discussion within the LLF framework, we suggest that a crucial point of learning from the process is the importance of planning pre-emptively for the safety and welfare of LGBTQ+ persons contributing to the discussions. As highlighted previously, this was given insufficient thought in the planning and preparation for the LLF dialogue and needs ongoing, proactive planning in the next steps that follow for LLF. At OneBodyOneFaith we remain committed to equipping LGBT+ Christians with resources and support to help them flourish, and find joy in their faith, sexuality, and gender identity. We believe that radical inclusive welcome needs to be clearer and more transparent for people to feel safe; and suggest that there might be a requirement to be both be transparent regarding a church’s stance, and the respectful duty to signpost other churches who are inclusive.
Whilst the Lambeth Conference this year demonstrated it is indeed possible for many to hold difference and still be in communion with one another, we remain convinced that Lambeth 1.10 is both inadequate and obsolete[1]; therefore, the requirement for ordinands to offer agreement is deeply problematic. We would call for there to be no requirement on ordinands, clergy, or lay ministers regarding their relationships, beyond that which is already within the scope of canon law (i.e. not to cause scandal etc.). If relationships must be mentioned, then we would suggest that it is better to encourage good conduct in them, regardless of gender and sexuality.
We reflect on the evolution of the nature of marriage, whilst still holding fast to the teaching and belief that it is a gift from God, speaking powerfully of our relationships with one another, and with God. We believe that just as cisgendered-heterosexual couples are without children for many reasons, yet still find blessing in marriage, so too can LGBT+ people. Marriage, for many and for many decades, is no longer bound to the need or ability to bring children into the world, but rather can speak of co-creating in many other profound and beautiful ways. Indeed, the reflection paper “Friendship and the Body of Christ”, highlights another profound change in the nature of marriage: that one of its purposes and values can be for friendship. We hope that the practice of the Church of England will move to represent this continued growth and change of understanding.
It has been heartening to hear that many engaged with LLF and their groups in great joy, learning and growing together. However, the times at which people, particularly LGBT+ people, have been put at risk must be addressed. Most of those who came to this process have done so with humble and open hearts, yet there are those who have, and continue, to behave in ways that are not Christlike. This must be challenged.
The continued involvement of LGBT+ people in this dialogue ought to be careful and deliberate. When we come to the table with our lives on display, we do so with a vulnerability that leaves us open to harm. The safety and pastoral support of LGBT+ people should be a top priority, with more to be done to educate those who perpetrate harm.
The reflection offered under the title “Friendship and the Body of Christ”, particularly the chapter “Friendship as Gift”, has offered a lot to consider – in particular the idea of the unconditional, yet transformational nature of the friendship offered by Christ[2]. With a wry smile, we hear the call to a friendship that is not chosen, and will continue to reflect on how such a relationship might be expressed. We also delight in this reminder of whom is the benefactor of our support: “Jesus, the ‘vine’, now sustains, shapes and feeds their mutual support and friendship.” Our caution for the use of this language of friendship is that we do not allow it to become a shield for harmful and problematic behaviour; we are bound to one another in and through Christ, but we should never be subjected to harm because of this.
It was encouraging to see a reference in the same reflection piece to the Church of England’s Pastoral Principles, which we believe ought to be more frequently referenced and actioned – particularly in online discussion.
We recognise the harm inflicted by abusive, coercive, unhealthy relationships, rape culture, and unrealistic and unhealthy models of relationships from porn particularly (that particularly impact younger people). OneBodyOneFaith believes the church has a call to respond to here, to demonstrate that the church can be good news regarding sex and relationships. We seek to unite around a vision of relationships that are loving, cherishing, and honouring; with the gift of marriage to be celebrated by those who wish.
Revd Jo Winn-Smith
Trustee
Fr Lee Taylor
Volunteer Chaplain to Rhythm
Luke Dowding
Executive Director
[1] For example, it was written before women could be ordained in the Church of England, and it suggests conversion therapy is an option, contrary to the now official stance.
[2] “The friendship of Jesus is not conditional, but it is transformational. The disciples are called to a different life, not simply within their relationships with one another, but in the entire way in which they inhabit the world. Friendship with Jesus comes with hope and challenge, and opens the disciples to the work of the Spirit in making them holy.”
