The House of Bishops' recent statement to halt the progress and promises around same sex marriage has been a painful experience for many Anglicans. In our discussions at SCM ecumenical allies are asking, "What can I do? How can I help?" So, here is a round up of answers to that question! They may not be ground breaking and clever, but there is injustice and pain here which we can change and that can be healed, so please - do all that you can.
Pray
We have to believe that God’s heart is breaking for those who love each other and are rejected for it by his church. Pray so that God hears your love for those he loves. Pray that the scales fall from the eyes of those who make preventing loving marriages their mission. Pray for comfort for the grieving Anglicans who have had their plans and hopes dashed.
Say something
The weariness of a long campaign and the technical aspects of how the Church of England works can both silence allies from expressing support. Many queer Anglicans are finding that no one is bothering to say anything about this. Tell them that you are sorry this is happening, and tell them you see them and that their love should be honoured not dismissed. It will make more difference than you might think.
Sign and share the Young Anglicans Letter to the House of Bishops
We have written a letter that ecumenical allies can sign as a show of support for their Anglican siblings. Please sign, and share!
Share the Inclusive Church letter
Inclusive Church are gathering the voices of Anglicans to show the Bishops how strongly ordinary Anglicans care about LGBTQ+ equality. It might seem that surely everyone knows about this letter by now, but you might have folk in your networks that haven’t had the chance to sign, or haven’t got around to it. Share the letter using this link.
Write to your MP
The Church of England has a special responsibility to everyone in the country because it is the established Church. It has an official, formal relationship with the state, so it cannot ignore the majority of the country who believe same sex marriage should be allowed, or overrule the majority of Anglicans who also want it just because some wealthy churches are holding the Bishops hostage. If you live in England, whatever your denomination, you have the right to tell your MP that you want them to put pressure on the Church of England to do better. You can find your MP using this link.
References:
https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/45868-record-number-britons-support-same-sex-marriage-10 https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/45199-anglicans-more-likely-not-back-church-england-cond https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/synod-signals-support-anglican-way-forward-same-sex-relationships