Church of England minister resigns over controversial prayers to 'bless' same-sex couples

John Dunnett, a prominent Anglican minister, has resigned as honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral. The reason was the use in November of the controversial “Prayers of Love and Faith” for same-sex couples during Sunday services, which he believes contradict biblical teachings.

According to Christian Today, Dunnett, who is national director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) and chairman of the Diocese of Chelmsford Evangelical Network (CDEN), made the decision after sending a letter to the leadership in late November to that effect. The letter expressed “sadness and deep concern at the decision” to offer these prayers.

“The Prayers of Love and Faith” are highly controversial because they are the result of a completed Church of England process called “Living in Love and Faith,” which considered the church’s attitude to homosexuality, gender, relationships and marriage. These prayers offer blessings for homosexual couples and can be used as part of regular worship services.

The letter, signed by more than 150 clergy and laity, argued that the inclusion of these prayers “contradicts biblical (and Anglican) teaching on marriage and sexual ethics” and has resulted in many “feeling alienated from the life and worship of the cathedral.”

The cathedral’s abbess, Dr. Jessica Martin, responded in late January that the decision to include “Prayers of Love and Faith” would not be reconsidered or reversed. Dunnett said that while he remains committed to the life and mission of the church in the diocese, he cannot in good conscience retain his title as canon emeritus.

“I made the decision to step down as canon emeritus not easily and without enthusiasm,” Dunnett said. – “It has been a privilege to hold this title for the past several years. However, the decision of the rector and chapter to use ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ in Chelmsford Cathedral has alienated many of us who hold to historic and biblical Anglican teaching. My fundamental objection, which is shared by CDEN members, is that we believe that “Prayers of Love and Faith” endorses what is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. We do not believe that the House of Bishops’ recommendation on this matter has any authority if it contradicts Scripture.”

Recall, earlier in London during the solemn enthronement of Sarah Mullaly, the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England, there was a high-profile incident. Anglican priest Paul Williamson publicly protested the appointment, which was immediately suppressed, and the priest himself was escorted out of the cathedral.