Civil Partnerships - clergy pensions debate

Inclusive Church

Press Release

11th February 2010

Inclusive Church welcomes the vote by the Church of England's General Synod to extend pension rights beyond the legal minimum for civil partners.

The motion was carried by a clear majority in the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity. The debate was characterised by a desire to show that the church

can act justly and generously in support of those in civil partnerships.

Revd. Canon Giles Goddard, Chair of Inclusive Church said: "This vote underlines Archbishop's Rowan Williams' earlier comments and clearly demonstrates that the Church of England is opposed to all forms of

homophobia. I hope this will be the beginning of a new openness towards LGBT people in the church.”

Revd Mark Bratton, proposer of the motion said:

"This unexpected result will encourage those who have given their lives to supporting those in ministry that the church values their commitment and

sacrifice.”

The motion:"That this Synod request the Archbishops' Council and the Church of England Pensions Board to bring forward changes to the rules governing the clergy

pension scheme in order to go beyond the requirements of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and provide pension benefits to be paid to the surviving civil partners of deceased clergy on the same basis as they are currently paid

to surviving spouses.”

Voting: Bishops 12 for 2 against 3 abstain

Clergy 97 for 23 against 10 abstain

Laity 78 for 59 against 9 abstain

More information contact: Revd Canon Giles Goddard 07762 373 674

Revd Mark Bratton 0754 060 4225

ends