Church of England

=== 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>