A significant shift in attitudes among Church of England priests has come to light as a recent survey indicates growing support for LGBT inclusivity. According to the survey conducted by The Times, more than half of the surveyed priests expressed their desire for the Church to permit same-sex weddings and to revise its stance against premarital and gay relationships. Out of those surveyed, 53.4% advocated for legalizing clergy-conducted marriages for gay couples, compared to 36.5% in opposition—a noteworthy transformation over the past decade.
Evolving Views on Same-Sex Marriage
The survey conducted in England illustrates a marked change from the sentiment a mere decade ago. In 2014, following the legalization of same-sex civil marriage, 51% of Anglican priests stated their disapproval of same-sex marriage, while 39% were supportive. Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has shifted: 64.5% of surveyed priests now endorse the cessation of the teaching that “homosexual practice is incompatible with scripture.” Furthermore, 37.2% of respondents are open to acknowledging sexual relationships between gay individuals in committed partnerships, such as civil partnerships or marriages. These results underscore a growing desire within the clergy for a more inclusive approach.
Toward a More Inclusive Church
Andrew Foreshew-Cain, founder of the Campaign for Equal Marriage in the Church of England, emphasized the survey’s implications. He stated that the data showcased a more compassionate and accepting stance among Church of England clergy towards LGBTQ+ individuals compared to the current official position. Foreshew-Cain stressed the need for the Church to advance beyond hesitation and embrace the inclusion of gay people within its ranks. The sentiment was echoed by Robbie de Santos, director of communications at Stonewall, who hopes that church leaders will take these findings to heart and address the discrimination often faced by LGBTQ+ people of faith.
A Shift in Perspective
The survey also delved into broader aspects of the Church’s identity and attendance trends. Notably, three-quarters of the surveyed priests believe that Britain can no longer be characterized as a predominantly Christian nation. As the landscape evolves, the survey’s findings reflect a recognition of changing demographics and beliefs. This sentiment aligns with the 2021 census, which marked the first instance where less than half of England and Wales’ population identified as Christian. Additionally, the survey revealed that many priests are skeptical about reversing the decline in church attendance, with a significant majority indicating doubts about future growth.
Embracing Change Amid Challenges
In response to the survey, the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Rev Nick Baines, emphasized the distinct vocation of the church, highlighting its responsibility to promote both love and justice, even if it entails challenging prevailing cultural norms. This nuanced perspective underscores the Church’s role as a force for positive change, acknowledging that change can be uncomfortable yet essential for fostering a more inclusive and just society.
The survey, which analyzed responses from 1,200 serving priests selected at random from a pool of 5,000, reflects an evolving ecclesiastical landscape and provides a snapshot of the Church’s evolving perspectives on matters of faith, social justice, and inclusivity.