During the enactment of the Civil Partnership Act 2004, government officials repeatedly gave re-assurances that the new legislation was a "secular" solution simply designed to redress the social and economic disadvantages faced by those in long term homosexual relationships arising from an absence of a legal recognition of their relationship. There would be no religious element to it. The government re-iterated its opposition to same-sex marriages on numerous occasions and gave undertakings that it would not introduce homosexual marriages in the future. Thus, Parliament was persuaded to pass the Bill on the understanding that traditional marriage would not be undermined by the new law and would continue to hold its privileged status in society.

All the Government's undertakings have been breached, and we find ourselves in this position because the church failed to speak clearly and continues to fail to speak. This is why Chairman we must have the debate, declare a position and pray the Lord will spare us from not having spoken before.

The General Synod can say that it is contrary to Christian teaching for its priests and officers to bless civil partnerships and support same sex marriage.

The purpose of marriage is to glorify Christ.

We His Bride do not glorify Him when we do not speak Truth and we damage society in the process.

Chair, it is time to reassert the public doctrine of marriage at the heart of the debate and to resist anything that weakens this. Pressingly, in these days, we have been called to stand and it starts here with our governing body.

Chair, I hope that the Business Committee will use its good offices to urge the Archbishops to grant an Emergency Debate. I have tabled a Private Members Motion 'That this Synod affirm the public doctrine of marriage, between a man and a woman, as set out in the Book of Common Prayer as the only basis for engagement with public policy on marriage and family life'. I pray to receive overwhelming backing to this motion and that the Church of England will send a clear message to David Cameron and his government about what marriage means and not to interfere with it.

ENDS.