Church of England Removes 1991 Sexuality Guidelines from Clergy Selection
General Synod votes to drop requirement to assent to ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’, deemed prejudicial and offensive
The Church of England’s General Synod voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to remove the requirement for clergy candidates to agree to a 1991 document titled “Issues in Human Sexuality” as part of their ordination process.
The document, originally published as teaching guidance, had taken on a prescriptive role, stating that “homosexual practice [was] especially dishonourable” and urging abstinence for homosexual Christians.
The motion, brought before a body comprising bishops, clergy and laity, passed by a clear majority.
Church leaders emphasised that the change does not alter official doctrine but removes the outdated document from the formal vocation pathway.
The move follows prior steps towards inclusivity, including the 2023 decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples and the ongoing “Living in Love and Faith” process examining sexuality and marriage.
The 1991 document had been regarded by many as “contextually inappropriate” and offensive in tone.
Charles Bączyk‑Bell, an openly gay Anglican priest, noted that the document had previously been used to screen candidates from ordination.
He described its removal as opening the door for further liberalisation of church policy on same‑sex relationships.
The document had originally been introduced following the 1988 Lambeth Conference and was intended to spur educational discussion; however, it later became embedded within the recruitment process for clergy and lay ministers.
Questions raised in recent synods went unanswered, leading to the formal motion before General Synod.
The decision has not affected the Church’s stance that marriage is between a man and a woman.
It represents a procedural change in selection criteria rather than a doctrinal shift.
The vote takes place amid continued debates over sexuality, with tensions existing between those supporting same-sex blessings and traditionalists within the global Anglican Communion.
The document, originally published as teaching guidance, had taken on a prescriptive role, stating that “homosexual practice [was] especially dishonourable” and urging abstinence for homosexual Christians.
The motion, brought before a body comprising bishops, clergy and laity, passed by a clear majority.
Church leaders emphasised that the change does not alter official doctrine but removes the outdated document from the formal vocation pathway.
The move follows prior steps towards inclusivity, including the 2023 decision to permit blessings for same-sex couples and the ongoing “Living in Love and Faith” process examining sexuality and marriage.
The 1991 document had been regarded by many as “contextually inappropriate” and offensive in tone.
Charles Bączyk‑Bell, an openly gay Anglican priest, noted that the document had previously been used to screen candidates from ordination.
He described its removal as opening the door for further liberalisation of church policy on same‑sex relationships.
The document had originally been introduced following the 1988 Lambeth Conference and was intended to spur educational discussion; however, it later became embedded within the recruitment process for clergy and lay ministers.
Questions raised in recent synods went unanswered, leading to the formal motion before General Synod.
The decision has not affected the Church’s stance that marriage is between a man and a woman.
It represents a procedural change in selection criteria rather than a doctrinal shift.
The vote takes place amid continued debates over sexuality, with tensions existing between those supporting same-sex blessings and traditionalists within the global Anglican Communion.
