OTN PATRON Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, is among more than 90* bishops who signed a statement saying ‘we believe that LGBT+ people are a precious part of God’s creation’ in response to a Call on Human Dignity at the Lambeth Conference of global Anglican leaders yesterday.

In an address to the Conference introducing this Call, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby explained that most of the Call on Human Dignity (which includes sexuality) is uncontentious, since:

None of us would want to argue for sexual violence in conflict, abuse of the vulnerable or violence against minorities or women.

But Paragraph 2.3, which references churches’ positions on ‘same-gender marriage’, was the cause of controversy even before the conference began. The Lambeth Conference Prayer Guide defines the Lambeth Calls as

clear statements, outlining ways in which the Anglican Communion might seek to be ‘God’s Church for God’s World’ in service, mission, action and justice.

Yet the original text of the Call On Human Dignity repeated Resolution I.10 on Human Sexuality from the 1998 Lambeth Conference, which said:

'It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that same-gender marriage is not permissible.'

In the revised text, the assumption of global uniformity in belief that ‘same-gender marriage is not permissible’ was amended to say:

Many Provinces continue to affirm that same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the “legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions” cannot be advised. Other Provinces have blessed and welcomed same sex union/marriage after careful theological reflection and a process of reception. As Bishops we remain committed to listening and walking together to the maximum possible degree, despite our deep disagreement on these issues.

Acknowledging the difference and diversity across the Anglican Communion led to the publication of contrasting statements from across the Anglican Communion, including the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches’ statement that

‘orthodox bishops… will not receive Holy Communion alongside gay-partnered bishops, and those who endorse same-sex unions’.

Meanwhile, the ‘Statement from Anglican Bishops and Primates who are keen to affirm and celebrate LGBT+ people’, published after dialogue on the revised Call on Human Dignity yesterday, says:

“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:19

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” - John 13:34

God is Love! This love revealed by Jesus, described in the Scriptures and proclaimed by the Church, is Good News for all - without exception. That is why we believe that LGBT+ people are a precious part of God’s creation - for each of us is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14), and all are equally loved.

We recognise that many LGBT+ people have historically been wounded by the Church and particularly hurt by the events of the last few weeks. We wish to affirm the holiness of their love wherever it is found in committed relationships.

We therefore commit to working with our siblings across the Communion to listen to their stories and understand their contexts, which vary greatly. However, we will never shy away from tackling discrimination and prejudice against those of differing sexualities and gender identities.

Together, we will speak healing and hope to our broken world and look forward to the day when all may feel truly welcomed, valued and affirmed.

Download the statement here, including full list of signatories.

Speaking from the Lambeth Conference, OTN Patron Bishop Cherry Vann said:

‘Most of the media coverage has, not surprisingly, highlighted the negatives about the validity of Lambeth 1:10 [the controversial 1998 resolution]. However, most of us think yesterday was good news. Some strong and uncompromising things were said, for the first time, by Archbishop Justin who recognised the ‘careful theological reflection’ that has been done by those of us who celebrate and bless same sex partnerships and marriages. In short, everyone has a place at the table and there will be no sanctions or exclusions.’

UPDATE 07/08/2022: The number of those who have signed the statement has risen to 11 archbishops and 164 bishops from across the Anglican Communion.