The national director of the CofE Evangelical Council, Revd John Dunnett, has resigned as an honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral in response to its decision to use the Prayers of Love and Faith to bless same-sex couples. Appointed to the honorary role in 2020 by the Archbishop of York, Dunnett said he did not take the decision lightly but felt compelled to act on matters of biblical conviction. The Prayers of Love and Faith do not constitute marriage services but allow same-sex couples to receive a formal blessing within church settings. Church leaders describe them as a way of celebrating commitment in God’s presence. However, Dunnett stated that their use at the cathedral had deeply alienated those who uphold historic Anglican teaching on marriage and sexuality. He expressed a fundamental objection to endorsing practices which he believes are contrary to Scripture. However, he has said he remains committed to the diocese’s wider life and will continue worshipping, giving, and engaging in synodical processes.

The election of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the next Archbishop of Wales has drawn sharp criticism from senior leaders across the global Anglican community. Vann, currently Bishop of Monmouth and a patron of a pro-LGBT group, will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral. She has stated that gay marriage in the Church is 'inevitable’, though she acknowledges theological opposition within the Church in Wales. The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) called the appointment a 'serious error’; chairman Archbishop Laurent Mbanda has warned that it compromises biblical truth and bows to cultural pressure. Nigerian Primate Henry Ndukuba accused the Church in Wales of sacrificing the authority of Scripture for a postmodern agenda. Justin Badi Arama of South Sudan labelled the move a 'divisive rejection' of historic Anglican teaching. The controversy reignites tensions between progressive and conservative Anglicans worldwide. Former archbishop Justin Welby also faced criticism for appearing to shift from traditional biblical views on sexuality during his tenure.