What Challenges Await the New Archbishop of Canterbury in 2026?

The Church of England is currently navigating a complex landscape regarding same-sex blessings, with Holy Trinity in Guildford leading the charge. The rector, Simon Butler, is performing stand-alone blessings in defiance of the Church's traditional stance, reflecting broader tensions as Dame Sarah Mullally prepares to take on the role of Archbishop of Canterbury. This article delves into the implications of these developments for the Church and the wider community.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Church of England is at a pivotal moment as it grapples with the issue of same-sex blessings. At Holy Trinity in Guildford, Simon Butler has begun conducting stand-alone blessings, which are separate from traditional services, despite the Church's current regulations. This act of defiance underscores the ongoing internal conflict within the Church, especially as Dame Sarah Mullally prepares to assume her role as Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January 2024. The Church, still reeling from the controversy surrounding the previous Archbishop, Justin Welby's resignation, is now faced with the potential for further division on this contentious issue.

Key takeaways

Simon Butler is conducting stand-alone same-sex blessings at Holy Trinity, defying existing Church of England rules.
Dame Sarah Mullally will take over as Archbishop of Canterbury on 28 January 2024, amidst ongoing debates about same-sex relationships within the Church.
The General Synod previously approved prayers for blessing same-sex couples, indicating a shift in Church policy.
Resistance from conservative factions within the Church has complicated the implementation of these changes.
The Church is also facing scrutiny over its handling of historical abuse cases, which affects its credibility and trust.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the developments leading up to the current situation is crucial for grasping the complexities involved:

1957: The Wolfenden Report recommends decriminalising homosexuality, sparking ongoing debates within the Church.
2023: The General Synod votes to approve prayers for blessing same-sex couples and trial stand-alone blessings.
October 2023: Church leaders announce that trials for stand-alone blessings will require a two-thirds majority in the Synod.
28 January 2024: Dame Sarah Mullally is set to be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments include Simon Butler's continuation of stand-alone blessings, which have been met with both support and criticism. The Church's bishops have complicated the path forward by requiring a two-thirds majority for any trial of these services, signalling a retreat from earlier progress.

What was already established

The Church of England has been embroiled in debates over same-sex relationships for decades, with previous attempts at reform often meeting resistance from more traditional factions. The previous approval of prayers for same-sex blessings marked a significant, albeit contentious, shift in policy.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Church's stance on same-sex relationships has implications for many families and communities across the UK. The ability to have same-sex blessings could enhance the sense of inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church, impacting their relationship with the institution.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and event sectors, the Church's evolving policies could influence how weddings and related celebrations are conducted. Clarity on same-sex marriage within the Church could lead to increased demand for services catering to LGBTQ+ couples.

Policy and regulation

The Church of England's internal policies may lead to upcoming consultations and votes, particularly as Dame Sarah Mullally takes office. The evolving narrative around same-sex relationships could also impact how the Church interacts with wider legislative frameworks regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.

Numbers that matter

85 million: The estimated number of members in the global Anglican Communion.
1,000 years: The historical presence of worship at Holy Trinity, Guildford.
2/3 majority: The required threshold for the General Synod to approve trial stand-alone blessing services.
1957: The year the Wolfenden Report was published, initiating a long-standing debate on homosexuality within the Church.
30+ years: Since the ordination of the first women priests in the Church of England.

Definitions and jargon buster

General Synod: The governing body of the Church of England, responsible for making decisions on Church policies and practices.
Stand-alone blessings: Blessings for same-sex couples conducted separately from traditional services, often viewed as a precursor to same-sex marriage in church.
Gafcon: Global Anglican Future Conference, a movement of conservative Anglican churches opposing changes to traditional church teachings on sexuality.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Church will likely see continued discussions regarding the implications of the bishops' recent announcements. Stakeholders on both sides of the argument will be preparing for the upcoming General Synod meeting in February.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Dame Sarah Mullally begins her tenure, she will need to address the divisions within the Church and rebuild trust, especially following the controversies of the past year. The General Synod elections will also bring new voices into the conversation.

Signals to watch

Results of the General Synod elections and discussions surrounding same-sex blessings.
Responses from conservative factions and their impact on Church policies.
Public sentiment towards the Church’s handling of LGBTQ+ issues and historical abuse cases.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local church communities to understand their perspectives on same-sex blessings.
Stay informed about upcoming General Synod meetings and decisions that could affect Church policies.
Support initiatives aimed at creating inclusive environments within the Church.

Don’t

Assume that the Church's stance on same-sex relationships will remain static; changes are likely as discussions progress.
Dismiss the voices of those advocating for change; they play a crucial role in shaping the Church's future.
Ignore the historical context of the Church's debates on sexuality; understanding this can provide valuable insights.

Checklist

Review your local church's stance on same-sex blessings.
Identify key stakeholders in your community involved in this debate.
Monitor news outlets for updates on the General Synod's decisions.
Engage with LGBTQ+ organisations for broader social context.
Reflect on your own beliefs and how they align with the Church’s teachings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The landscape surrounding same-sex blessings within the Church of England is fraught with challenges. The recent decision to require a two-thirds majority for trial services raises questions about the future of inclusivity within the Church. Additionally, the ongoing opposition from conservative factions could lead to fractures that may affect the Church's cohesion and its relationship with the global Anglican Communion. The Church's handling of historical abuse cases also remains a contentious issue, with many feeling that insufficient progress has been made, which could further undermine trust and credibility.

Bottom line

The Church of England stands at a crossroads, particularly regarding its stance on same-sex blessings and the broader implications for its future. With Dame Sarah Mullally’s leadership beginning soon, the Church faces the dual challenge of reconciling internal divisions while addressing pressing concerns about its handling of abuse. The path forward will require careful navigation and genuine dialogue if the Church hopes to maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing society.

FAQs

What are same-sex blessings in the Church of England?

Same-sex blessings are ceremonies conducted by clergy to bless same-sex couples, which are separate from traditional marriage services and have become a point of contention within the Church.

Who is Dame Sarah Mullally?

Dame Sarah Mullally is the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, set to take office on 28 January 2024, and is the first woman to hold this position.

What is the General Synod?

The General Synod is the governing body of the Church of England, responsible for making decisions on Church policies and practices, including matters related to same-sex blessings.