Church of England to bless civil unions

Of the 500 Ukrainian religious sites bombed and looted by the Russian military, 170 were evangelical churches. Russians disproportionately targeted the Protestant minority, reportedly referring to them as “American spies,” “sectarians,” and “enemies of the Russian Orthodox people.”

A proposal for the Church of England to bless civil unions has frustrated those on both sides of the issue. The church gathers in London for its General Synod this week, following a six-year process discussion same-sex relationships.

For those at risk of suicide, overdose, or other “deaths of despair,” the church is called to offer physical provision as well as spiritual balm.