The House of Bishops report called for “fresh tone and culture of welcome and support” for gay people, while its opposition to same-sex marriage remained. It maintained marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and that no same-sex marriage should be blessed within a church.However the report did say clergy were allowed to hold prayers, guide and advise same-sex couples.(Stefan Rousseau/PA)More than 400 Church leaders gathered at the Synod at Church Hall on Wednesday, with 242 voting in favour of “taking note” of the report, 184 against and six abstentions.Though for the report to actually be approved and enforced, it would’ve had to have gained a majority in the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and House of Laity.The decision has come as good news to many as they hope the rejection of the report will open up doors to further conversation and motions in making the LGBT community feel welcomed and accepted within the Church.While there was a majority in both the House of Bishops and House of Laity, there were 93 House of Clergy members that voted for the report and 100 against.
I've been quite upset since report was published. Today gives me some hope that more dialogue and loving inclusion is possible #synod
