In response to the House of Bishops’ recent statement regarding civil partnerships and their implications for the episcopate, Anglican Mainstream raises significant concerns. The Ordinal, which outlines the commitments of Bishops within the Church of England, emphasizes that they must lead lives in accordance with Christ’s teachings and uphold the Church’s doctrine. The ambiguity surrounding civil partnerships presents a challenge to these commitments.
The prevailing perception of civil partnerships as inherently sexual relationships casts doubt on the ability of individuals in such partnerships to make the required promises with credibility. Many assume that civil partnerships involve sexual relations, and it is problematic to claim otherwise. This uncertainty is evident in the reluctance of some clergy in civil partnerships to provide assurances to their bishops that their relationships are “non-sexual.”
A shift in the Church’s stance on this issue represents a significant departure from its established doctrine and discipline. Such a change should be decided by the Bishops in Synod rather than unilaterally by individual Bishops. A decision made without broader consultation risks undermining the integrity of the Church’s teachings, resembling a gradual erosion of its traditional positions.
Moreover, appointing a bishop known to be in a civil partnership could prove highly divisive. Such an appointment might not only create internal discord within the Church of England but also lead to tensions within the wider Anglican Communion. The unity and cohesion of the Church, both nationally and internationally, could be compromised by this controversial decision.