by Pat Ashworth, Church Times
Bishops delay plans to introduce a Bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in church, saying more time is needed for theological reflection
AFTER a period of what they describe as “positive but yet frank interaction”, the Bench of Bishops will not be introducing, in April 2027, a Bill permitting same-sex couples to marry in church, as they had previously announced they would.
The Governing Body passed a first Bill making permanent the liturgy for the blessing of same-sex marriages or civil partnerships, in April 2026. The next step, in a following Bill, would have been equal marriage.
“As Bishops we are very grateful for the respectful and generous tone in which the debate in April was conducted,” the Bench’s report to the Governing Body says. “We see the relief of those who feel that that the church can now acknowledge the committed and loving relationships of same sex couples; and we also acknowledge with gratitude the many gracious messages we have received from those from whom that decision was a painful one.”