Synod Debate on 'Issues in Human Sexuality

Note to other General Synod members

The House of Bishops welcomes the opportunity which the Archdeacon of Wandsworth's motion will provide for the General Synod to discuss the House's statement 'Issues in Human Sexuality'.

The General Synod last debated the matters addressed in the statement in November 1987. The motion which it then carried is a clear affirmation of the Church's traditional teaching on the subject.

In 'Issues in Human Sexuality' we sought to explore the implications of this teaching for human sexuality in its various expressions. We continue to believe that our statement offers rich material for reflection and discussion throughout the Church, to which the General Synod debate will no doubt be a valuable contribution.

Although much of the statement concerns a searching exploration of scripture, tradition and experience in relation to human sexuality, it is its chapter on homosexuality which has attracted the most attention. We repeat the condemnation we have made both then a since of all homophobic attitudes and behaviour, and our concern that these matters - on which emotions understandably run high - should be discussed in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and true Christian charity.

We have worked consistently to foster such a discussion throughout the Church. The Archdeacon of Wandsworth has indicated that his intention in bringing forward his motion is to ensure that the General Synod has an opportunity itself to consider 'Issues in Human Sexuality'. We welcome that purpose, and hope that the Synod debate will in turn stimulate further informed discussion in parishes and diocese.

Since the object of the Archdeacon's motion is to encourage that discussion throughout the Church of 'Issues in Human Sexuality' for which we ourselves have called, we should not welcome any attempt to amend the motion either to restate that passed by the Synod in 1987 or to alter the position it took. The former is, in our view, unnecessary, as the 1987 motion continues on the record. The latter would be both unjustified and premature. The Church needs, we judge, an amply opportunity to reflect further on these matters. A Synod debate in which differing views were heard without rancour or an attempt to force the present Synod to take a final stance on the issue, could be a valuable contribution to that process.

While we wish to reflect carefully on any amendments which may be tabled, our present intention is, therefore, to oppose any amendments to the Archdeacon's motion, as these are likely to obscure what we believe, in our considered judgement, to be right for the Church at the present time.

We hope that other members of the General Synod, some of whom have already sought our views, will find it helpful to have this notice of our intentions in advance of the debate. We assure them and all others affected of our prayers as the debate approaches.

Press Release from ACNS

Eucharistic Presidency - a report by the House of Bishops (Church of England)

The House of Bishops of the Church of England has said no to the suggestion that lay people might preside at Celebrations of Holy Communion. While recognising the greatly changed circumstances of the modern Church and valuing the whole people of God, their report, Eucharistic Presidency, publishing as a theological statement for study and reflection, affirms the distinctive ministry of the ordained.

In a wide-ranging review of roles in the life of the Church, the House of Bishops' Theological Group, chaired by the Bishop of Ely, the Right Reverend Stephen Sykes, insists that the Church is essentially a community of people living in relation to each other: "There is no difference of value or worth of persons before God".

The report concludes that it is not wrong for there to be a diversity of responsibilities. The whole of the Church and all its members share in the priesthood of Christ; but leadership in the community is a gift of God, and the point of ordination is to promote, release and clarify all other forms of ministry.

The report affirms that, at the Eucharist or Holy Communion, the Holy Spirit reconstitutes the Church in a particular intense way and the whole assembly celebrates. The role of the person who presides is to ensure that the people together properly celebrate the sacrament. So, the President's task is to be a sign or focus of what the whole Church ought to be, and to take responsibility for making sure that comes about.

Therefore, says the report, there is an essential link between leadership in the community, for which a bishop or priest has been carefully chosen, and presiding at the Eucharist.

The report was writeen in the light of discussion throughout the Anglican Communion and recent agreement with other Christian Churches.

The Bishop of Ely says: "It is a substantial contribution that clarifies the Bishops' views on a controversial matter. I hope it will not only be welcomed but, after careful study, readily accepted".

Eucharistic Presidency is published by Church House Publishing, price £5.95, and is available from bookshops including Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BN, tel 0171-340 0276/77, fax 0171-340 0278