Church of England aims for a compromise on homosexuality issue

The Church of England will seek to attain a compromise on the divisive issue of homosexuality in the face of a boding splinter within the church.

According to The Guardian, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby plans to attain a unified stance among bishops on the issue of homosexuality during the General Synod to be held next month. The congregation will be attended by 550 delegates from around the world who would discuss extensively and intensively the contentious subject.

Welby may not be so keen on believing that a resolution would be attained during the Synod but he reportedly intends that a compromise may at least prevent a large number of those in favor of homosexuality from separating from the church.

"The difference between our societies and cultures, as well as the speed of cultural change in much of the global north, tempts us to divide as Christians: when the command of Scripture, the prayer of Jesus, the tradition of the Church and our theological understanding urges unity," said Welby in a statement.

Citing that the Anglican Church has no Pope to master central authority among its churches, Welby called on the Anglican Primates to find a way in which they can treat each other as fellow Christians.

"A 21st century Anglican family must have space for deep disagreement, and even mutual criticism, so long as we are faithful to the revelation of Jesus Christ, together," said Welby.

Early this year, the Anglican Primates agreed to suspend the Episcopal Church for a span of three years based on its stance on same-sex marriage. During this period, the Episcopal Church cannot take part in any decision-making in terms of doctrine and polity nor be a representative body.

In its official statement, the Primates said that the Anglican Church "upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union."