Conservative groups call for parallel province in Church of England
- The Church of England is debating the need to create a new archbishop to address conservative opposition to same-sex blessings.
- Influential conservative leaders are advocating for a parallel province to unite those opposed to recent church decisions.
- The ongoing discussions highlight significant internal divisions and raise questions about the church's future direction.
In recent months, the Church of England has faced increasing tensions regarding its stance on same-sex partnerships. A significant development occurred when the church moved to allow priests to bless unions of gay couples, which sparked controversy among conservative groups within the church. Leaders from these groups, like the Rev Canon John Dunnett of the Church of England Evangelical Council, have voiced concerns that this decision could lead to a split within the church. They are calling for the establishment of a 'de facto parallel province' to unite parishes that oppose the blessing of same-sex partnerships. The proposal aims to create a separate archbishopric that would be in addition to the existing archbishops of Canterbury and York. This new structure would, according to its advocates, help preserve the traditional values of the Church of England while allowing more liberal parishes to express their views under the current arrangement. The need for such a division underscores the growing divide within the church, which reflects broader societal discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and religious beliefs. Amid these tensions, the Church of England is also grappling with internal challenges, particularly in maintaining morale and reputation. The appointment of a new leader for the church is forthcoming, with Lord Evans of Weardale playing a key role in the process as the prime minister's nominee to chair the Crown Nominations Commission. However, he will only have one vote among the 17 members, most of whom are appointed or elected through various means, which complicates the process of achieving consensus. The outcome of these debates over same-sex blessings and potential restructuring will have significant implications not only for the church but also for its congregations. It raises critical questions about inclusivity, tradition, and the future direction of one of the oldest established churches in England, set against a backdrop of rapidly changing public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues.