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In November 1987 the General Synod of the Church of England passed, by 403 votes to 8 (with 13 abstentions) the following Motion:

"This Synod affirms that the biblical and traditional teaching on chastity and fidelity in personal relationships is a response to, and an expression of, God’s love for each one of us, and in particular affirm:

1) that sexual intercourse is an act of total commitment which belongs properly within a permanent married relationship

2) that fornication and adultery are sins against this ideal, and are to be met by a call to repentance and the exercise of compassion

3) that homosexual genital acts also fall short of this ideal, and are likewise to be met by a call to repentance and the exercise of compassion

4) that all Christians are called to be exemplary in all spheres of morality, including sexual morality, and that holiness of life is particularly required of Christian leaders."

A further amendment calling for "appropriate discipline" was carried in the House of Laity but lost in both the Houses of Bishops and Clergy, and would have been lost, because of the greater numbers of Clergy, in a vote of the whole Synod.

Click here for PDF of Motion