Following recent well-publicised events within the Church of Ireland concerning serving clergy and civil partnerships the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland issued a Pastoral Letter.

In the letter the Bishops affirm the teaching of the church on marriage, acknowledge that, the state, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has provided in law for civil partnerships ; they also acknowledge that the issue of serving clergy and civil partnerships have caused considerable hurt and confusion to many, while others see what has happened as a positive development.

The bishops indicate that they take seriously their responsibility to act in a way that will help to further the unity of the church in truth and love. They are organising a conference in Spring 2012, to which members of the General Synod and some others will be invited.