Jayne Ozanne to challenge Synod

Monday 06 February 2023

A leading campaigner for equality in the Church of England has lodged an amendment to try and force the Synod to look at ways of finding approval for same sex relationships and marriage.

Jayne Ozanne (pictured top left) - who is from Guernsey and has worked with local churches, and Liberate previously - is one of the most vocal opponents of the Church of England's continuing refusal to acknowledge "different deeply held convictions within the Church".

She wants to see a renewed commitment to the acceptance of "God's love for and acceptance of every person".

Ms Ozanne has said the matter needs settling now, "once and for all".

Her amended motion (below) will be put to the Synod this week.

This is my proposed revised motion for @Synod next week - the lines in bold are what I'm proposing to change (my "amendment"), as well as removing the apology - which will be far better when action to remove discrimination is finally taken. pic.twitter.com/55wi2UpLWE

— Jayne Ozanne (@JayneOzanne) February 4, 2023

Ms Ozanne has been vocal in her opposition to the position held by the Archbishop of Canterbury (pictured top right) who was reported to have told a group of UK MPs that he would rather see the Church of England lose its status as an established church than risk a global organisation fracturing over clashes on gay marriage.

Ms Ozanne has aligned herself with other prominent figures within the Church who have accepted or embraced the LGBT+ community.

Thank you Bishop @paulbayes - I agree. We need to believe that God is with us & act out of faith not fear! https://t.co/xZxjNrqxyb

— Jayne Ozanne (@JayneOzanne) February 1, 2023

Last week Ms Ozanne met with MPs to discuss the matter.

The cross-party group said in a statement that they shared concerns with comments made by bishops opposing same sex relationships, and that they would be working together to oppose any discrimination against same-sex couples.

Ms Ozanne said: "I've been very clear that I will not endorse discrimination of LGBT people in any form - I don't believe Jesus would either. I respect some want to take a political/pragmatic approach- I believe I'm called to stand for what is just, Biblical & true. God doesn't compromise."

Ms Ozanne used to advise the UK's conservative government on its LGBT panel but she publicly resigned after two years in the role in protest at "the increasingly hostile environment for LGBT+ people and the lack of progress towards a ban on 'conversion therapy'."