In July 1981 the General Synod of the Church of England carried a resolution, which stated that "there are circumstances in which a divorced person may be married in church during the lifetime of a former partner." Following a report published recently, Marriage in Church after divorce, the House of Bishops has set about a process to define the circumstances that the General Synod had in mind when it passed that resolution by large majorities in each House.

"We recognise the sincerely held views of those who take an indissolubilist line," said the Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt in the foreword to the report, "bit propose nothing that alters the Church's traditional teaching that marriage should always be undertaken as a lifelong commitment, nor do we propose any alteration to the existing statutory protection of clerical consciences on this matter."

The report recommends that a common set of pastoral criteria, principles and procedures should be followed in every diocese so that there is consistency in the Church's practice. The report suggests that normally further marriages in church should proceed only "if the incumbent - whose decision it would remain - is satisfied (after reference to the diocesan bishop) that the couple has sufficiently met those pastoral criteria."

The House of Bishops has asked dioceses to respond to two questions: whether they agree with General Synod's 1981 resolution and whether they support the proposals for consistent practice across the Church.

This consultation process will last until April next year, and the Bishops are likely to report to Synod by the end of 2001. Any changes in the Church's official position and practices that might be proposed would be debated by General Synod.

Item from: The Church of England