Church in Wales rejects gay marriage but gives prayers for after civil service
By Antony Bushfield, Premier:
The Church in Wales has decided not to proceed with proposals to allow gay marriages in its churches.
In a letter the bishops of the Church said it would not be wise to bring the plans before the governing body because there was not a clear majority in favour of it.
The bishops apologised for past treatment of LGBT people and promised to ensure they are “fully affirmed as equal disciples”.
Debates on whether to have same sex weddings in churches would continue, the letter added.
It accepted that “a majority of members supported change” but stated that “there was certainly no consensus, and any move to introduce changes in canon law would not meet the required two thirds majority of Governing Body”.
A series of prayers which may be said with a couple following the celebration of a civil partnership or civil marriage have also been published.
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said: “We are not ready, as a Church, to take the step of authorising same-sex marriage.
“There is no point in bringing forward a Bill for it to fail. That I know will be a disappointment to those who voted for change and will be a deep disappointment to same sex couples within the Church in Wales who long for the opportunity to make their vows in one of our churches.
See here for the original statement from the Church in Wales, which includes a link to the proposed prayers for people in a same sex marriage or civil partnership
[but are they “prayers of blessing”? See here for comments on the Thinking Anglicans blog, which includes this:
That is a really lovely prayer. It recognises “so much love” in the context of “fullness of life” that God desires. It recognises the life-long devotion and “holding together” of their relationship. It prays for their commitment and relationship to get stronger. It recognises the sheer joy of their love and relationship, and it recognises it in the context of God. And it asks God to lead and accompany them in their future lives, bringing peace and joy.
This is really lovely and beautiful. If this isn’t a blessing on the couple’s relationship, I don’t know what is.
]
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