Christians throughout the United Kingdom are demanding the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby following his remarks endorsing sexual intimacy in same-sex relationships. Critics argue that his statements mark a significant departure from the Church of England's traditional doctrine on marriage and sexual ethics.
During a recent podcast interview, Welby stated that sexual intimacy is morally acceptable in “stable, committed and faithful” relationships, regardless of gender, prompting backlash from Evangelicals within the church who accuse him of willfully ignoring established doctrine.
The Alliance, a coalition of Church of England groups committed to biblical teachings on sexual ethics, has voiced their concerns in a letter to the archbishops and bishops, as reported by Anglican Ink. They noted that “the correct constitutional process has not been followed for departing from current agreed doctrine or for a change of liturgy.”
In response to what they perceive as a de facto change in doctrine, the Alliance announced plans to establish “a de facto parallel province within the Church of England.” They raised concerns about the absence of provisions for faithful clergy to be overseen by bishops who share their views.
The official doctrine of the Church of England states that “sexual intercourse, as an expression of faithful intimacy, properly belongs within marriage exclusively,” defining marriage as a lifelong union between “one man with one woman.” This stance is reiterated in the pastoral guidance issued in 2023 for the Prayers of Love and Faith, which emphasizes that “it is within marriage that sexual intimacy finds its proper place.”
Welby made his controversial remarks during the podcast “The Rest is Politics,” when co-host Alastair Campbell asked if he believed that gay sex was sinful. Welby responded, “Where we’ve come to is to say that all sexual activity should be within a committed relationship and whether it’s straight or gay.” He further proposed that people in civil partnerships or same-sex marriages should be able to have church services of prayer and blessing in their lives together.
In light of the backlash, Welby’s office released a statement clarifying his views. “Archbishop Justin was giving a personal view that reflects the position now held by himself, the Archbishop of York and many other bishops regarding sexual intimacy,” the statement explained. It continued by stating that Welby has undergone significant theological reflection and prayer, particularly through the Living in Love and Faith process, leading him to sincerely hold this new perspective.
The statement also underscored his commitment to fully welcoming, loving, and including LGBTQ+ individuals in the life of the Church. Despite acknowledging the lack of consensus among bishops on this issue, Welby maintained his “absolute commitment to those who hold a traditional view having a full and undoubted place in the Church of England.’”
In response, Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy at the U.K.-based group Christian Concern, criticized Welby's reasoning in an op-ed, stating, “Welby’s logic is actually completely backwards. It is those with ‘a traditional view’ who belong most firmly within the CofE. They are upholding the doctrine as it has been received and understood.”
Dieppe further argued, “Those bishops who depart from the clear unambiguous teaching of the CofE should resign. It is they who do not have a place in the Church of England, however sincerely held their beliefs may be. A sincere atheist can hardly be a bishop. The sincerity of the disbelief in CofE doctrine does nothing to justify remaining as a bishop.”
