Church of England

==Doctrine and practice==
{{See also|Anglicanism|Anglican doctrine}}
[[File:Hooker-Statue.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Richard Hooker (theologian)|Richard Hooker]] (1554–1600), one of the most influential figures in shaping Anglican theology and self-identity]]
[[File:Canterbury_Cathedral_-_Back_01.jpg|left|thumb|[[Canterbury Cathedral]] houses the ''[[cathedra]]'' or episcopal chair of the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] and is the cathedral of the [[Diocese of Canterbury]] and the [[mother church]] of the Church of England as well as a focus for the [[Anglican Communion]]]]
The [[canon law]] of the Church of England identifies the [[Bible|Christian scriptures]] as the source of its doctrine. In addition, doctrine is also derived from the teachings of the [[Church Fathers]] and [[ecumenical councils]] (as well as the [[ecumenical creeds]]) in so far as these agree with scripture. This doctrine is expressed in the [[Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion]], the ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]'', and the Ordinal containing the rites for the ordination of [[deacon#Anglicanism|deacons]], [[Anglican priest|priests]], and the consecration of bishops.<ref name="CanonA5">Canon A5. [http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/church.pdf Canons of the Church of England] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325141800/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/church.pdf |date=25 March 2009}}.</ref> Unlike other traditions, the Church of England has no single theologian that it can look to as a founder. However, [[Richard Hooker]]'s appeal to scripture, [[Christian tradition|church tradition]], and [[reason]] as sources of authority,{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|pp=349–350}} as well as the work of [[Thomas Cranmer]], which inspired the doctrinal status of the church, continue to inform Anglican identity.

The Church of England's doctrinal character today is largely the result of the Elizabethan Settlement, which sought to establish a comprehensive middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Church of England affirms the protestant reformation principle that scripture contains all things necessary to salvation and is the final arbiter in doctrinal matters. The Thirty-nine Articles are the church's only official confessional statement. Though not a complete system of doctrine, the articles highlight areas of agreement with [[Lutheran]] and [[Calvinism|Reformed]] positions, while differentiating Anglicanism from Roman Catholicism and [[Anabaptism]].{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|pp=349–350}}

While embracing some themes of the Protestant Reformation, the Church of England also maintains Catholic traditions of the ancient church and teachings of the Church Fathers, unless these are considered contrary to scripture. It accepts the decisions of the first four ecumenical councils concerning the [[Trinity]] and the [[Incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]]. The Church of England also preserves catholic order by adhering to [[episcopal polity]], with ordained orders of bishops, priests and deacons. There are differences of opinion within the Church of England over the necessity of episcopacy. Some consider it essential, while others feel it is needed for the proper ordering of the church.{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|pp=349–350}} In sum these express the 'Via Media' viewpoint that the first five centuries of doctrinal development and church order as approved are acceptable as a yardstick by which to gauge authentic catholicity, as minimum and sufficient; Anglicanism did not emerge as the result of charismatic leaders with particular doctrines. It is light on details compared to Roman Catholic, Reformed and Lutheran teachings. The Bible, the Creeds, Apostolic Order, and the administration of the Sacraments are sufficient to establish catholicity. The Reformation in England was initially much concerned about doctrine but the Elizabethan Settlement tried to put a stop to doctrinal contentions. The proponents of further changes, nonetheless, tried to get their way by making changes in Church Order (abolition of bishops), governance (Canon Law) and liturgy ('too Catholic'). They did not succeed because the monarchy and the Church resisted and the majority of the population were indifferent. Moreover, "despite all the assumptions of the Reformation founders of that Church, it had retained a catholic character." The Elizabethan Settlement had created a cuckoo in a nest..." a Protestant theology and program within a largely pre-Reformation Catholic structure whose continuing life would arouse a theological interest in the Catholicism that had created it; and would result in the rejection of [[predestinarian]] theology in favor of sacraments, especially the eucharist, ceremonial, and anti-Calvinist doctrine".{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|pp=78–86}} The existence of cathedrals "without substantial alteration" and "where the "old devotional world cast its longest shadow for the future of the ethos that would become Anglicanism,"{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=79}} This is "One of the great mysteries of the English Reformation,"{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=79}} that there was no complete break with the past but a muddle that was per force turned into a virtue. The story of the English Reformation is the tale of retreat from the Protestant advance of 1550 which could not proceed further in the face of the opposition of the institution which was rooted in the medieval past,{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=142}} and the adamant opposition of Queen Elizabeth I.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The Church of England has, as one of its distinguishing marks, a breadth of opinion from [[liberal Christianity|liberal]] to conservative clergy and members.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Andrew|date=13 July 2014|title=Liberalism increases as power shifts to the laity in the Church of England|language=en-GB|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/13/church-of-england-power-shifts-laity-liberalism|access-date=1 May 2016|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> This tolerance has allowed Anglicans who emphasise the catholic tradition and others who emphasise the reformed tradition to coexist. The [[Churchmanship|three schools of thought]] (or parties) in the Church of England are sometimes called [[high church]] (or [[Anglo-Catholic]]), [[low church]] (or [[evangelical Anglican]]) and [[broad church]] (or [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]]). The high church party places importance on the Church of England's continuity with the pre-Reformation Catholic Church, adherence to ancient liturgical usages and the sacerdotal nature of the priesthood. As their name suggests, Anglo-Catholics maintain many traditional catholic practices and liturgical forms.<ref name="HighChurch">"High Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 6 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), pp. 823–824.</ref> The Catholic tradition, strengthened and reshaped from the 1830s by the Oxford movement, has stressed the importance of the visible Church and its sacraments and the belief that the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons is a sign and instrument of the Church of England's Catholic and apostolic identity.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england|title=History of the Church of England|website=The Church of England|access-date=17 December 2021|archive-date=16 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416023707/https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england|url-status=dead}}</ref> The low church party is more Protestant in both ceremony and theology.<ref name="LowChurch">"Low Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 8 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), p. 836.</ref> It has emphasized the significance of the Protestant aspects of the Church of England's identity, stressing the importance of the authority of Scripture, preaching, justification by faith and personal conversion.<ref name=":1" /> Historically, the term 'broad church' has been used to describe those of middle-of-the-road ceremonial preferences who lean theologically towards liberal protestantism.<ref name="BroadChurch">E. McDermott, "Broad Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 2 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), pp. 624–625.</ref> The liberal broad church tradition has emphasized the importance of the use of reason in theological exploration. It has stressed the need to develop Christian belief and practice in order to respond creatively to wider advances in human knowledge and understanding and the importance of social and political action in forwarding God's kingdom.<ref name=":1" /> The balance between these strands of churchmanship is not static: in 2013, 40% of Church of England worshippers attended evangelical churches (compared with 26% in 1989), and 83% of very large congregations were evangelical. Such churches were also reported to attract higher numbers of men and young adults than others.<ref>'New Directions', May 2013</ref>

===Worship and liturgy===
[[File:Rochester cathedral stained glass 2.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.8|Stained glass window in [[Rochester Cathedral]], Kent]]

In 1604, [[James VI and I|James&nbsp;I]] ordered an English language translation of the Bible known as the [[King James Version]], which was published in 1611 and authorised for use in parishes, although it was not an "official" version per se.{{Sfn|Cowart |Knappen|2007|p=?}} The Church of England's official book of liturgy as established in English Law is the [[Book of Common Prayer (1662)|1662 version of the ''Book of Common Prayer'']] (BCP). In the year 2000, the General Synod approved a modern [[liturgical book]], ''[[Common Worship]]'', which can be used as an alternative to the BCP. Like its predecessor, the 1980 ''[[Alternative Service Book]]'', it differs from the ''Book of Common Prayer'' in providing a range of alternative services, mostly in modern language, although it does include some BCP-based forms as well, for example Order Two for Holy Communion. (This is a revision of the BCP service, altering some words and allowing the insertion of some other liturgical texts such as the ''[[Agnus Dei (liturgy)|Agnus Dei]]'' before communion.) The Order One rite follows the pattern of more modern liturgical scholarship.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The liturgies are organised according to the traditional [[liturgical year]] and the [[Calendar of saints (Church of England)|calendar of saints]]. The [[Anglican sacraments|sacraments]] of [[baptism]] and the [[eucharist]] are generally thought necessary to salvation. [[Infant baptism]] is practised. At a later age, individuals baptised as infants receive [[confirmation]] by a bishop, at which time they reaffirm the baptismal promises made by their parents or sponsors. The eucharist, consecrated by a thanksgiving prayer including Christ's [[Words of Institution]], is believed to be "a memorial of Christ's once-for-all redemptive acts in which Christ is objectively present and effectually received in faith".{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|p=350}}

The use of hymns and [[Anglican church music|music in the Church of England]] has changed dramatically over the centuries. Traditional [[Evening Prayer (Anglican)|Choral evensong]] is a staple of most cathedrals. The style of [[psalm]] chanting harks back to the Church of England's pre-reformation roots. During the 18th century, clergy such as [[Charles Wesley]] introduced their own styles of worship with poetic hymns.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC – Religions – Christianity: Charles Wesley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml|access-date=27 January 2021|website=BBC|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In the latter half of the 20th century, the influence of the [[Charismatic Movement]] significantly altered the worship traditions of numerous Church of England parishes, primarily affecting those of [[evangelical]] persuasion. These churches now adopt a [[contemporary worship]] form of service, with minimal liturgical or ritual elements, and incorporating [[contemporary worship music]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Charismatic Invasion of Anglicanism? {{!}} Dale M. Coulter |url=https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2014/01/neither-an-invasion-nor-surprising-lambeth-palace-chemin-neuf-and-anglican-charismatics |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=First Things |date=7 January 2014 |language=en}}</ref>

Just as the Church of England has a large conservative or "traditionalist" wing, it also has many [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]] members and clergy. Approximately one third of clergy "doubt or disbelieve in the physical resurrection".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1403106/One-third-of-clergy-do-not-believe-in-the-Resurrection.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1403106/One-third-of-clergy-do-not-believe-in-the-Resurrection.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=One third of clergy do not believe in the Resurrection|last=Petre|first=Jonathan|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=1 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Others, such as [[Giles Fraser]], a contributor to ''The Guardian'', have argued for an allegorical interpretation of the [[virgin birth of Jesus]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/24/story-virgin-birth-christianity-mary-sex-femininity|title=The story of the virgin birth runs against the grain of Christianity|date=24 December 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref> ''The Independent'' reported in 2014 that, according to a YouGov survey of Church of England clergy, "as many as 16 per cent are unclear about God and two per cent think it is no more than a human construct."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/survey-finds-2-of-anglican-priests-are-not-believers-9821899.html|title=Survey finds 2 per cent of Anglican priests are not believers|date=27 October 2014|website=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/5f5s31fk47/Results-for-Anglican-Clergy-Survey-08092014.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223094747/http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/5f5s31fk47/Results-for-Anglican-Clergy-Survey-08092014.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=live|title=YouGov / University of Lancaster and Westminster Faith Debates|date=23 October 2014|website=YouGov|language=en-GB|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> Moreover, many congregations are seeker-friendly environments. For example, one report from the [[Church Mission Society]] suggested that the church open up "a pagan church where Christianity [is] very much in the centre" to reach out to spiritual people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church of England creating 'pagan church' to recruit members|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=1 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The Church of England is launching a project on "gendered language" in Spring 2023 in efforts to "study the ways in which God is referred to and addressed in liturgy and worship".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Is God They/Them? Church of England considers gender-neutral pronouns. |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/08/god-gender-neutral-church-of-england/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

=== Women's ministry ===
Women were appointed as deaconesses from 1861, but they could not function fully as deacons and were not considered ordained clergy. Women have historically been able to serve as [[lay reader]]s. During the First World War, some women were appointed as lay readers, known as "[[bishop's messenger]]s", who also led missions and ran churches in the absence of men. After the war, no women were appointed as lay readers until 1969.<ref>{{Cite news|last=tojsiab|title=Church of England इतिहास देखें अर्थ और सामग्री – hmoob.in|url=https://www.hmoob.in/wiki/CofE|access-date=5 July 2021|website=www.hmoob.in|language=en}}</ref>

Legislation authorising the ordination of women as deacons was passed in 1986 and they were first ordained in 1987. The [[ordination of women]] as priests was approved by the [[General Synod of the Church of England|General Synod]] in 1992 and [[List of the first 32 women ordained as Church of England priests|began in 1994]]. In 2010, for the first time in the history of the Church of England, more women than men were ordained as priests (290 women and 273 men),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9060296/More-new-women-priests-than-men-for-first-time.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9060296/More-new-women-priests-than-men-for-first-time.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=More new women priests than men for first time|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=4 February 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but in the next two years, ordinations of men again exceeded those of women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/feb/11/how-much-church-of-england-clergy-female|title=How much of the Church of England clergy is female?|first=George|last=Arnett|date=11 February 2014|website=The Guardian}}</ref>

In July 2005, the synod voted to "set in train" the process of allowing the consecration of women as bishops. In February 2006, the synod voted overwhelmingly for the "further exploration" of possible arrangements for parishes that did not want to be directly under the authority of a bishop who is a woman.<ref>[http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060210women.shtml Church votes overwhelmingly for compromise on women bishops]. ''Ekklesia''.</ref> On 7 July 2008, the synod voted to approve the ordination of women as bishops and rejected moves for alternative episcopal oversight for those who do not accept the ministry of bishops who are women.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church will ordain women bishops|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7494517.stm|work=BBC News|date=7 July 2008|access-date=7 July 2008}}</ref> Actual ordinations of women to the episcopate required further legislation, which was narrowly rejected in a General Synod vote in November 2012.<ref>Pigott, Robert. (14 February 2009) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7889946.stm Synod struggles on women bishops]. BBC News.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20415689 "Church of England general synod votes against women bishops"], BBC News, 20 November 2012.</ref> On 20 November 2013, the General Synod voted overwhelmingly in support of a plan to allow the ordination of women as bishops, with 378 in favour, 8 against and 25 abstentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://descrier.co.uk/uk/2013/11/church-england-synod-votes-overwhelmingly-support-women-bishops/|title=Church of England Synod votes overwhelmingly in support of women bishops|work=The Descrier |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=20 November 2013}}</ref>

On 14 July 2014, the General Synod approved the ordination of women as bishops. The House of Bishops recorded 37 votes in favour, two against with one abstention. The House of Clergy had 162 in favour, 25 against and four abstentions. The House of Laity voted 152 for, 45 against with five abstentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28298250|title=LIVE: Vote backs women bishops|work=BBC |date=14 July 2014 |access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> This legislation had to be approved by the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Parliament before it could be finally implemented at the November 2014 synod. In December 2014, [[Libby Lane]] was announced as the first woman to become a bishop in the Church of England. She was consecrated as a bishop in January 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-religion-anglican-women-idUSKBN0KZ0Z820150126|title=After turmoil, Church of England consecrates first woman bishop|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924212841/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/26/us-religion-anglican-women-idUSKBN0KZ0Z820150126|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, [[Rachel Treweek]] was the first woman to become a diocesan bishop in the Church of England when she became the [[Bishop of Gloucester]].<ref name="anglicannews1">[http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/07/first-female-diocesan-bishop-in-c-of-e-consecrated.aspx First female diocesan bishop in C of E consecrated]. Anglicannews.org. Retrieved 23 July 2015.</ref> She and [[Sarah Mullally]], Bishop of Crediton, were the first women to be ordained as bishops at [[Canterbury Cathedral]].<ref name="anglicannews1"/> Treweek later made headlines by calling for gender-inclusive language, saying that "God is not to be seen as male. God is God."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/24/bishop-rachel-treweek-gods-not-a-he-or-a-she|title='God is not a he or a she', says first female bishop to sit in House of Lords|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|date=24 October 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref>

In May 2018, the Diocese of London consecrated [[Dame Sarah Mullally]] as the first woman to serve as the [[Bishop of London]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2018/18-may/news/uk/first-woman-bishop-of-sarah-mullally-london-installed |title=First woman Bishop of London installed |website= www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref> Bishop Sarah Mullally occupies the third most senior position in the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-44095112|title=First female Bishop of London installed|date=12 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date= 20 May 2018 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Mullally has described herself as a feminist and will ordain both men and women to the priesthood.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-woman-bishop-goes-to-war-for-female-vicars-7q28wqkdf |title=New woman bishop goes to war for female vicars|first=Nicholas|last=Hellen|date=13 May 2018|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en|issn=0956-1382}}</ref> She is also considered by some to be a theological liberal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d2042694-e3f1-11e7-8b99-0191e45377ec |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/d2042694-e3f1-11e7-8b99-0191e45377ec |archive-date=10 December 2022|title=Sarah Mullally to be first female bishop of London|website=Financial Times|date=18 December 2017|language=en-GB|access-date=|url-access = subscription|last1=Wright|first1=Robert}}</ref> On women's [[reproductive rights]], Mullally describes herself as [[Abortion-rights movements|pro-choice]] while also being personally [[Anti-abortion movements|pro-life]].<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://sarahmullally.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/choice/ |title=Choice|date=9 March 2012|work=Contemplation in the shadow of a carpark|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> On marriage, she supports the current stance of the Church of England that marriage is between a man and a woman, but also said that: "It is a time for us to reflect on our tradition and scripture, and together say how we can offer a response that is about it being inclusive love."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/22-december/news/uk/sarah-mullally-to-be-the-next-bishop-of-london|title=Former Chief Nursing Officer to be first woman Bishop of London|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Same-sex unions and LGBT clergy ===
{{See also|Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion}}
The Church of England has been discussing [[Same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom|same-sex marriages]] and LGBT clergy.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128 |title=Church of England proposes celebrating gay marriage |author= Reuters Editorial |work= U.K. |access-date= 1 October 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Billson |first1=Chantelle |title=Church of England blessing services for same-sex couples unlikely before 2025: 'We don't all agree' |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/10/21/church-of-england-blessing-services-for-same-sex-couples-unlikely-before-2025-we-dont-all-agree/ |website=PinkNews |date=21 October 2023 |access-date=21 October 2023}}</ref> The church holds that marriage is a union of one man with one woman.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1657614/ssmarriagebillbriefing.pdf |title= Archived copy |access-date= 22 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171023012119/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1657614/ssmarriagebillbriefing.pdf |archive-date= 23 October 2017 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England rejects same-sex marriage, says union is between "one man and one woman for life" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/church-of-england-continues-to-refuse-to-allow-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=18 January 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> The church does not allow clergy to perform same-sex marriages, but in February 2023 approved of blessings for same-sex couples following a civil marriage or civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-02-09 |title=Church of England votes in favour of blessings for same-sex unions |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/09/church-of-england-votes-in-favour-of-blessings-for-same-sex-unions |access-date=2023-02-10 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirka |first=Danica |title=Church of England allows blessings for same-sex couples |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/church-england-allows-blessings-same-sex-couples-97009556 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The church teaches "Same-sex relationships often embody genuine mutuality and fidelity."<ref name="x75">{{cite web |last1= Bingham |first1= John |title= Church offers prayers after same-sex weddings – but bans gay priests from marrying |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10640144/Church-offers-prayers-after-same-sex-weddings-but-bans-gay-priests-from-marrying.html |work=The Daily Telegraph|date= 15 February 2014 |access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-pastoral-guidance-same-sex-marriage|title=House of Bishops Pastoral Guidance on Same Sex Marriage|website=The Church of England|language=en|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> In January 2023, the Bishops approved "prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/bishops-propose-prayers-thanksgiving-dedication-and-gods-blessing |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=The Church of England |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Euan |date=20 January 2023 |title=Church of England Will Bless Same-Sex Couples, but Won't Marry Them |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/world/europe/church-england-same-sex-marriage.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2023 |title=Church of England refuses to back same-sex marriage |url=https://apnews.com/article/anglicanism-england-wales-marriage-religion-5086b3376929156e5f41461193a67aa5 |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> The commended prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, known as "Prayers of Love and Faith," may be used during ordinary church services, and in November 2023 General Synod voted to authorise "standalone" blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis, while permanent authorisation will require additional steps.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs plans for trial blessings of same-sex weddings |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-backs-plans-for-blessings-of-same-sex-weddings |access-date=2023-11-20 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs services for gay couples |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67432854 |access-date=2023-11-20}}</ref> The church also officially supports [[Celibacy|celibate]] civil partnerships; "We believe that Civil Partnerships still have a place, including for some Christian [[Intersex and LGBT|LGBTI]] couples who see them as a way of gaining legal recognition of their relationship."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Keep-civil-partnerships-Church-of-England-urges-Government|title=Keep civil partnerships, Church of England urges Government|date=18 May 2018|work= Premier|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|Civil partnerships]] for clergy have been allowed since 2005, so long as they remain sexually abstinent,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/beds/bucks/herts/5236132.stm|title=Gay cleric's 'wedding' to partner|work=BBC News|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/angus-mearns/663064/gay-cleric-in-running-for-brechin-position/|title=Gay cleric in running for Brechin position|last1=Alex|first1=Stewart|last2=er|website=The Courier|date=2 June 2018 |language=en-GB|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=24 October 2016}}</ref> and the church extends pensions to clergy in same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Church of England General Synod extends pension rights for gay partners|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/11/anglican-synod-gay-pension-rights|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 11 February 2010|access-date = 25 February 2016|issn = 0261-3077|language = en-GB|first = Stephen|last = Bates}}</ref> In a missive to clergy, the church communicated that "there was a need for committed same-sex couples to be given recognition and 'compassionate attention' from the Church, including special prayers."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church of England gives blessing to recognising civil partnerships|newspaper=Telegraph.co.uk|access-date=23 October 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "There is no prohibition on prayers being said in church or there being a 'service'" after a civil union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/2-march/comment/letters-to-the-editor/civil-partnerships-and-defining-marriage|title=Civil partnerships and defining marriage|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> After same-sex marriage was legalised, the church sought continued availability of civil unions, saying "The Church of England recognises that same-sex relationships often embody fidelity and mutuality. Civil partnerships enable these Christian virtues to be recognised socially and legally in a proper framework."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.says.civil.partnerships.should.not.be.abolished.following.gay.marriage.legalisation/36731.htm|title=Church of England says civil partnerships should not be abolished following gay marriage legalisation|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=11 April 2014 |access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref>

In 2014, the bishops released guidelines that permit "more informal kind of prayer" for couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/02/house-of-bishops-pastoral-guidance-on-same-sex-marriage.aspx|title=Church of England News: House of Bishops Pastoral Guidance on Same Sex Marriage|website=Church of England News|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref> In the guidelines, "gay couples who get married will be able to ask for special prayers in the Church of England after their wedding, the bishops have agreed."<ref name="x75"/> In 2016, the bishop of Grantham, [[Nicholas Chamberlain]], announced that he is gay, in a same-sex relationship and celibate, becoming the first bishop to do so in the church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship|last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2 September 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2 September 2016}}</ref> The church had decided in 2013 that gay clergy in civil partnerships so long as they remain sexually abstinent could become bishops.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/05/world/uk-same-sex-bishops/index.html|title=Priests in same-sex relationships may become Anglican Bishops|first=Ben|last=Brumfield|work=CNN|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref> "The House [of Bishops] has confirmed that clergy in civil partnerships, and living in accordance with the teaching of the church on human sexuality, can be considered as candidates for the episcopate."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/05/world/europe/anglicans-open-a-path-to-bishopric-for-gay-men.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/05/world/europe/anglicans-open-a-path-to-bishopric-for-gay-men.html |archive-date=1 January 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Anglicans Open a Path to Bishopric for Gay Men|last=Lyall|first=Sarah|date=2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=27 September 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2017, the House of Clergy voted against the motion to "take note" of the bishops' report defining marriage as between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.englands.clergy.issue.shock.rebuke.to.bishops.conservative.view.on.sexuality/104738.htm|title=Church of England's Clergy Issue Shock Rebuke To Bishops' View on Sexuality |website=www.christiantoday.com|date=15 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> Due to passage in all three houses being required, the motion was rejected.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church takes step towards gay marriage after vote rejects controversial report|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=17 February 2017|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After General Synod rejected the motion, the archbishops of Canterbury and York called for "radical new Christian inclusion" that is "based on good, healthy, flourishing relationships, and in a proper 21st century understanding of being human and of being sexual."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishops.call.for.radical.new.christian.inclusion.after.synod.blocks.sexuality.report/104775.htm|title=Archbishops Call For 'Radical New Christian Inclusion' After Synod Blocks Sexuality Report|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=16 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> The church officially opposes "[[conversion therapy]]", a practice which attempts to change a gay or lesbian person's sexual orientation, calling it unethical and supports the [[Conversion therapy ban|banning]] of "conversion therapy" in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/general-synod-backs-ban-conversion-therapy|title=General Synod backs ban on conversion therapy|website=www.churchofengland.org|language=en|access-date=5 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-england-warmly-welcomes-uk-plan-ban-gay-conversion-therapy-225724/|title=Church of England 'Warmly Welcomes' UK's Plan to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy|access-date=5 July 2018|language=en}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Hereford]] approved a motion calling for the church "to create a set of formal services and prayers to bless those who have had a same-sex marriage or civil partnership."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/landmark-vote-piles-pressure-on-anglicans-over-same-sex-marriage-jwrzs6qbs|title=Landmark vote piles pressure on Anglicans over same-sex marriage|last=Burgess|first=Kaya|date=20 October 2017|work=The Times|access-date=22 October 2017|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In 2022, "The House [of Bishops] also agreed to the formation of a Pastoral Consultative Group to support and advise dioceses on pastoral responses to circumstances that arise concerning LGBTI+ clergy, ordinands, lay leaders and the lay people in their care."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England House of Bishops meet {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2022 |url=https://anglican.ink/2022/03/25/church-of-england-house-of-bishops-meet/ |access-date=26 March 2022 |website=anglican.ink|date=25 March 2022 }}</ref>

Regarding [[Christianity and transgender people|transgender issues]], the 2017 General Synod voted in favour of a motion saying that transgender people should be "welcomed and affirmed in their parish church".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/09/anglican-church-set-to-offer-special-services-for-transgender-people|title=Anglican church set to offer special services for transgender people|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|date=9 July 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/09/church-of-england-to-hold-special-services-for-transgender-people-6766501/|title=Church of England to hold special services for transgender people|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Fiona Parker for|date=9 July 2017|website=Metro|access-date=10 July 2017}}</ref> The motion also asked the bishops "to look into special services for transgender people."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40546644|title=Church of England votes to explore transgender services|date=9 July 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2015/29-may/news/uk/diocese-of-blackburn-seeks-new-liturgy-for-trans-service|title=Diocese of Blackburn seeks new liturgy for trans service|website=Church Times |first1=Madeleine |last1=Davies |date= 29 May 2015 |access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> The bishops initially said "the House notes that the Affirmation of Baptismal Faith, found in ''Common Worship'', is an ideal liturgical rite which trans people can use to mark this moment of personal renewal."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/GS%20Misc%201178%20-%20An%20update%20on%20Welcoming%20Transgender%20People%20%28003%29.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128074732/https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/GS%20Misc%201178%20-%20An%20update%20on%20Welcoming%20Transgender%20People%20%28003%29.pdf |archive-date=28 January 2018 |url-status=dead |title=An update on 'Welcoming Transgender People'|date=January 2018|website=The Church of England|access-date=27 January 2018}}</ref> The Bishops also authorised services of celebration to mark a gender transition that will be included in formal liturgy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46516299|title=Trans people invited to mark sex change in Church of England |date=11 December 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=12 December 2018 |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212114230/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46516299 |archive-date=  12 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2018/14-december/news/uk/adapted-baptism-liturgy-can-celebrate-gender-transition|title=Adapted baptism liturgy can celebrate gender transition|website=The Church Times |access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref> Transgender people may marry in the Church of England after legally making a transition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/820105/church-england-transgender-baptism-services-worshippers-naming|title=Church of England to consider re-naming services for transgender worshippers|last=Mansfield|first=Katie|date=24 June 2017|work=Express.co.uk|access-date=27 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> "Since the [[Gender Recognition Act 2004]], trans people legally confirmed in their gender identity under its provisions are able to marry someone of the opposite sex in their parish church."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/11/church-of-england-trans-gay-clergy-parishioners|title=The church's trans epiphany will ease the way for others like me |last=Beardsley|first=Tina|date=11 July 2017|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=27 May 2018}}</ref> The church further decided that same-gender couples may remain married when one spouse experiences [[Transitioning (transgender)|gender transition]] provided that the spouses identified as opposite genders at the time of the marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/church-of-england-accepts-same-sex-marriage-with-a-catch-3nq6j0zjh|title=Church accepts marriage between people of the same gender – with a catch|last=Religious Affairs Correspondent|first=Kaya Burgess|date=4 July 2019|work=The Times|access-date=6 July 2019|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church of England will condone gay couples for first time – as long as they were man and wife when they took vows|last=Swerling|first=Gabriella|date=4 July 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=6 July 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Since 2000, the church has allowed priests to undergo gender transition and remain in office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1052786.stm|title=Sex-change vicar back in pulpit|work=BBC News|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> The church has ordained openly transgender clergy since 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/72804951/transgender-priest-sings-praises-of-understanding|title=Transgender priest sings for change|website=Stuff|date=8 October 2015|access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref> The Church of England ordained the church's first openly [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] priest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swerling |first=Gabriella |date=2 January 2023 |title=Church of England's first non-binary vicar says God 'guided' their identity |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/02/church-englands-first-non-binary-vicar-says-god-guided-identity/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=McAuley |first1=Paul |last2=Norden |first2=Jasmine |date=1 January 2023 |title=UK's first non-binary priest says God guided them to come out after an epiphany |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uks-first-non-binary-priest-28853392 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2023, a meeting of the Bishops of the Church of England rejected demands for clergy to conduct same-sex marriages. However, proposals would be put to the General Synod that clergy should be able to hold church blessings for same-sex civil marriages, albeit on a voluntary basis for individual clergy. This comes as the Church continued to be split on same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2023 |title=Church of England bishops refuse to back gay marriage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/18/church-of-england-bishops-refuse-to-back-gay-marriage |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2023, ten archbishops of the [[Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches]] released a statement stating that they had broken communion and no longer recognised [[Justin Welby]] as "the first among equals" or "[[primus inter pares]]" in the Anglican Communion in response to the General Synod's decision to approve the blessing of same-sex couples following a civil marriage or partnership, leading to questions as to the status of the Church of England as the [[mother church]] of the international [[Anglican Communion]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2023-02-21 |title=Anglican group rejects Archbishop of Canterbury as schism widens |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230221-anglican-group-rejects-archbishop-of-canterbury-as-schism-widens |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lawless |first=Jill |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Anglican bishops reject leader Welby over gay marriage |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/anglican-bishops-reject-leader-welby-gay-marriage-97337650 |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=ABC News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Joe |title=The FAQs: Anglican Communion Splits over 'Blessing' of Same-Sex Marriages |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/anglican-communion-blessing-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=The Gospel Coalition |date=22 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2023, the General Synod narrowly voted to allow church blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Browning |first=Bil |date=2023-11-16 |title=Church of England will try out blessing same-sex marriages |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/11/church-of-england-will-try-out-blessing-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> In December 2023, the first blessings of same-sex couples began in the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-17 |title=Felixstowe same-sex couple receives one of Anglican church's first blessings |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-67743298 |access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Francis |date=18 December 2023 |title=Blessing prayers used for the first time for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/22-december/news/uk/blessing-prayers-used-for-the-first-time-for-same-sex-couples |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=[[Church Times]]}}</ref>

===Bioethics issues===
The Church of England is generally opposed to abortion but believes "there can be strictly limited conditions under which abortion may be morally preferable to any available alternative".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hardman |first1=Christine |author-link=Christine Hardman |last2=James |first2=Newcome |author-link2=James Newcome |date=29 November 2019 |title=Response to open letter on abortion |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/response-open-letter-abortion |access-date=26 May 2022 |website=Church of England}}</ref> The church also opposes euthanasia. Its official stance is that "While acknowledging the complexity of the issues involved in assisted dying/suicide and voluntary euthanasia, the Church of England is opposed to any change in the law or in medical practice that would make assisted dying/suicide or voluntary euthanasia permissible in law or acceptable in practice." It also states that "Equally, the Church shares the desire to alleviate physical and psychological suffering, but believes that assisted dying/suicide and voluntary euthanasia are not acceptable means of achieving these laudable goals."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media/57990/assisteddyingpdfmar09.pdf "Assisted Dying/Suicide and Voluntary Euthanasia"], Church of England.</ref> In 2014, George Carey, a former archbishop of Canterbury, announced that he had changed his stance on euthanasia and now advocated legalising "assisted dying".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/12/archbishop-canterbury-carey-support-assisted-dying-proposal|title=Former archbishop lends his support to campaign to legalise right to die|last=Watt|first=Nicholas|date=11 July 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref> On embryonic stem-cell research, the church has announced "cautious acceptance to the proposal to produce cytoplasmic hybrid embryos for research".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/our-views/medical-ethics-health-social-care-policy/hfea.aspx|title=The Church of England and human fertilisation & embryology|website=www.churchofengland.org|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref>

In the 19th century, English law required the burial of people who had died by suicide to occur only [[Interments (felo de se) Act 1882|between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight and without religious rites]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/suicides-can-receive-anglican-funerals-says-general-synod/47997.htm|title=Suicides can receive Anglican funerals, says General Synod|last=Gledhill|first=Ruth|date=12 February 2015|website=www.christiantoday.com|language=en|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref> The Church of England permitted the use of alternative burial services for people who had died by suicide. In 2017, the Church of England changed its rules to permit the full, standard Christian burial service regardless of whether a person had died by suicide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Church-ends-ban-on-full-Christian-funerals-for-suicides|title=Church ends ban on full Christian funerals for suicides|last=Adeogun|first=Eno|date=11 July 2017|website=Premier|language=en-GB|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>