Vicars who bless gay couples in church could be sued, say lawyers
by Tim Wyatt, Telegraph:
Synod due to discuss controversial plans by bishops to allow services of blessing after same-sex weddings.
Vicars who bless same-sex couples in church could be taken to court, a group of lawyers warned the General Synod ahead of a crunch debate on the proposals.
On Wednesday, the Synod – the Church of England’s parliament – is due to discuss controversial plans by bishops to allow services of blessing after same-sex weddings.
But a group of six barristers and solicitors who sit on the Synod have warned that the legal basis for the blessings is flawed and could see priests who offer them sued in court.
In a document seen by The Telegraph, the group argue there is a “strong possibility [the bishops] are legally mistaken” and this would “expose the clergy to the risk of litigation”.
The bishops proposed the same-sex blessings – known as Prayers of Love and Faith – last month after six years of internal wrangling over LGBTQ issues.
Synodical rules mean a two-thirds majority would be needed to officially rewrite Church doctrine to mean marriage can include gay couples.
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