by Kaya Burgess, The Times
Any celebration of the union of same-sex couples must not include an exchange of rings or vows, church guidance advises
No exchanging of rings or vows, no processing down the aisle and no kissing. These are likely to be the rules if blessing services for same-sex couples are approved by the Church of England.
Dedicated ceremonies in which same-sex couples receive a priest’s blessing must not to look like “a wedding is taking place” or send the signal that gay relationships are “equivalent to marriage” in the eyes of the church, the guidance has warned.
Same-sex marriage remains banned in the Church of England while gay sex is deemed sinful. Since 2023, priests can offer a blessing to gay couples, including those in civil marriages, but are only permitted to do so as one small element in a routine church service. The Rev Jane Pearse and the Rev Catherine Bond were among the first couples to have such a blessing in December 2023.
The General Synod has backed a trial of “standalone” blessing services, which would allow gay couples to invite guests and potentially choose elements such as flowers or music.
However, traditionalists have opposed the move for fear the services would resemble a Christian wedding and would be seen to tacitly endorse homosexuality.