The Bishop of Oxford has said Church of England clergy should have the freedom to bless and marry same-sex couples.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, who became the city’s Bishop in 2016, has published a 52-page essay setting out how his own views on same-sex relationships have changed during the decade.

The essay, entitled Together in Love and Faith, the Bishop reflects on the changes in society and the Church in the last ten years.

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The Rev, Dr Croft said: “I need to acknowledge the acute pain and distress of LGBTQ+ people in the life of the Church.

“I am sorry that, corporately, we have been so slow as a Church to reach better decisions and practice on these matters.

“I am sorry that my own views were slow to change and that my actions, and lack of action, have caused genuine hurt, disagreement and pain.” 

The Bishop believes it is time to enable local churches and clergy to offer public services of blessing for same-sex relationships and remove the legal barriers to the solemnisation of same-sex marriage in the Church of England.

He feels clergy should also be given the freedom to marry a same-sex partner.  

Dr Croft also examines and reflects on the views of Christians who hold a traditional view of marriage, believing this should be honoured and respected by people seeking change.  

He added: “Any settlement must be founded on love and respect: love and respect for LGBTQ+ people and their families within and beyond the Church, love and respect for those who take different views... This love must be the hallmark of our debates and conduct through this season”. 

Bishop Steven’s essay is a significant new contribution to the present process as the whole Church seeks good and fruitful ways forward and as the bishops together discern what proposals to bring to the General Synod in February 2023.   

The essay is available to purchase from store.oxford.anglican.org and the Church Times features the essay in an article published today.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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