Church of england gay marriage
Church of England fails to unite behind same-sex marriage
The Church of England voted to keep a forbid on officiating same-sex marriage on Thursday but agreed to allow priests to bless same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.
The General Synod — the Church's governing body made up of elected bishops, clergy and lay people — backed the compromise proposal after eight hours of debates across two days.
The offer also included an apology to LGBTQ people for failing to welcome them into the Church.
It comes after half a decade of wrangling to take the Church up-to-date on same-sex marriage — which was legalized in the UK in
"For the first time, the Church of England will publicly, unreservedly and joyfully welcome same-sex couples in church," Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said.
But the offer of blessings has been derided as meaningless after the Synod voted not to change the rules that bar Anglican priests from officiating same-sex marriages.
Same-sex marriage opposers face criticism
Progressive members of the Church ha
Church of England says a ‘profound disagreement’ remains on homosexuality
LONDON — The Church of England’s governing body will debate adopting fresh commitments on homosexuality and same-sex couples when it meets later this month, it said on Friday, acknowledging that there remained “profound disagreement” on the matter.
The Church of England — pivotal to the Anglican Communion of 85 million believers across the world — does not permit same-sex marriage, standing by its learning that marriage is between a dude and a woman.
However, the centuries-old institution has been wrestling with ways to make people in the LGBTQ people feel more inclusive in its churches, and it has apologized for the “hostile and homophobic response” some had faced.
The Synod, which consists of bishops, clergy and lay members, last November narrowly voted to support special services to bless same-sex couples on a trial basis, although Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby — spiritual leader of the Anglican church — abstained from that vote.
“Synod has put a clear command for us to move forward, but the
Church of England says no to gay marriage but Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes blessings for homosexual couples in historic first
The Church of England has said it will bless same-sex couples for the first time but still won't allow gay marriages in its churches.
Same-sex couples will now be able to attend church services including prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and God's blessing monitoring a legal marriage ceremony.
The Church's bishops met on Tuesday to make final recommendations on its position on sexuality, after five years of debate and consultation produced a report.
Their consensus was that holy matrimony exists only between a man and a woman and this would not change.
Nor would it be position to a vote at the General Synod in London next month.
But by supporting blessings, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the Church was attempting to "seek the common good". However, he admitted it would "go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others".
He said: "I expect it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to utter to all
Factsheet: Sexuality and the Church of England
by Dr Susannah Cornwall
The Church of England is in the midst of a complex and fraught internal debate over same-sex marriage and LGBT issues. Currently it bans gay weddings in churches, allows prayers of aid to same sex couples following a civil partnership or marriage and allows clergy to enter a civil partnership
What is the Church of England&#;s position on same-sex marriage?
The Church of England is the state church in England. The Church of England’s church law (Canon Law) is part of English law. Same-sex marriage was made legal in England and Wales by the passing of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Proceed
The Church of England and Church in Wales sought exemption from the law, and as a result it is not legally possible for them to celebrate same-sex marriages. It would not be possible for them to legally celebrate same-sex marriages until such time as their Canon Law was changed.
The Church in Wales voted in September to offer prayers of blessing to couples in lgbtq+ marriages. However, the Church in Wales can still