Justin Welby voices support for CofE approving gay sex within civil partnerships after views have ‘evolved’

The highest-ranking figure in the Church of England has revealed that he believes same-sex sexual relations within “committed relationships” are permissible.

Speaking to Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart on The Rest is Politics podcast, when asked if he still believed gay sex was sinful, Justin Welby, who holds the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in the CofE, suggests to his interviewers that he now has a better answer than when Campbell previously asked him the same question for GQ Magazine in 2017.

Referring to himself, the “Archbishop of York” and “the bishops, by a majority” – while noting that the grouping is “by no means unanimous” – Welby says “where we’ve come to, is to say all sexual activity should be in a committed relationship…whether it’s straight or gay”.

He continues: “In other words, we’re not stopping the idea, we’re not giving up on the idea, that sex is within marriage or civil partnership, whether that marriage is civil or religious.”

A 22 October statement from Lambeth Palace, released a day after the Welby’s comments on the podcast were first aired, attempted to further clarify his position.

The statement explains that “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”.

“He has been honest that his thinking has evolved over the years through much prayer and theological reflection – particularly through the Living in Love and Faith process – and he now holds this view sincerely.”

“It reflects his commitment to continuing to welcome, love and include LGBTQ+ people more fully in the life of the Church.”

Both the podcast interview and the Lambeth Palace statement notably refer to the confluence of Welby’s views with those of Stephen Cottrell, who is recognised by the Church of England as the Archbishop of York.

It’s the CofE’s second most senior position, meaning the two most senior figures in the CofE appear to be aligned on this issue, even while agreement is not “unanimous” throughout the Church.

In January 2023, Cottrell told BBC Radio 4 interviewer William Crawley that he thought “stable, loving, committed” same-sex sexual relationships were “good” – stressing that “they are the place for physical intimacy”. 

 “And not a sin?” Crawley, after having criticised Cottrell’s position for a lack of clarity, proceeded to put to Cottrell directly.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Cottrell replied.

The so-called Living in Love and Faith (LLF) blessings that have been approved for use in the CofE allow those who have undergone a civil-partnership, or same-sex marriage, to have their union blessed in a CofE church, should the minister of that church consent to performing the service.

Photo: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby visits the tomb of Oscar Arnulfo Romero in San Salvador on 4 June 2024. (Photo by MARVIN RECINOS/AFP via Getty Images.)

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