Church of England says no to church gay weddings but will 'bless' couples
The Church of England has refused to allow same-sex weddings in church.
However, bishops have agreed to bless same-sex, civil marriages for the first time. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the move aims to “seek the common good”, but will “go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others”.
It comes in a report on same-sex relationships to the General Synod, which meets next month, and is not a formal change in doctrine.
Bishops will apologise to LGBTQ+ people for “exclusion and hostility” caused by their previous stance. Jayne Ozanne, a synod member, said not allowing gay marriages in church is “despicable”.
Same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales in 2013.
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Same sex-couples will be able to receive blessings under the new proposal (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Speaking about the proposition, Mr Welby said: "This response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage - I rejoice in that diversity and I welcome this way of reflecting it in the life of our church.
"I am under no illusions that what we are proposing today will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others, but it is my hope that what we have agreed will be received in a spirit of generosity, seeking the common good.
"Most of all I hope it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to say to all Christians and especially LGBTQI+ people that you are welcome and a valued and precious part of the body of Christ."
A debate on the proposals will take place on February 8 (Getty Images)The synod will be asked to discuss the proposals in detail during its meeting from February 6 to 9, with the main debate on the proposals due to take place on February 8.
The bishops' decision, which does not represent a formal change in doctrine, comes after they finalised a report into the church's position on sexuality following five years of debate and consultation.
They will issue a formal apology on Friday to LGBTQ+ people for the "rejection, exclusion and hostility" they have felt within the church because of its previous stance.
The church said it was issuing pastoral guidance to its ministers and congregations and urged them to welcome same-sex couples "unreservedly and joyfully".
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: "We are deeply sorry and ashamed and want to take this opportunity to begin again in the spirit of repentance which our faith teaches us.
"This is not the end of that journey but we have reached a milestone and I hope that these prayers of love and faith can provide a way for us all to celebrate and affirm same-sex relationships."
The bishops' proposals will be debated by the synod when it meets early next month.
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The Church is set to issue a formal apology to LGBTQ+ people (Getty Images/Blend Images)Jayne Ozanne, a prominent LGBTQ+ campaigner and a member of the synod, said the bishops' decision not to allow same-sex marriages was "utterly despicable".
She said: "I cannot believe that five years of pain and trauma has got us here. We have had countless apologies over the years but no action to stop the harmful discrimination.
"It is insulting to all who trusted the process. There is absolutely nothing radical or inclusive about these proposals.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013, but the church did not change its teaching when the law changed.
The Anglican Church in Wales has allowed its clergy to bless same-sex marriages and civil partnerships since September 2021.
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