Are churches forced to marry gay couples now
Factsheet: Sexuality timeline in the Church of England
The Church of England is locked in increasingly bitter internal debate over LGBTQ+ issues and same-sex marriage. This is the culmination of decades of wrangling and discussion, which began more than half a century ago, with no transparent resolution yet in sight
Introduction
In 2021, the Church of England published a state on sexuality, marriage and LGBTQ+ issues. Living in Love and Faith is the fruit of three years’ work by committees of bishops, clergy, scientists, historians, theologians and others, including representatives from the LGBTQ+ community.
It did not propose any alter in the church’s official doctrines, but instead offered resources summarising the latest thinking on how the Bible, church tradition, and society understands flashpoints such as gay marriage or transgender rights. Living in Love and Faith marks the latest in a decades-long struggle within the CofE to decide how to respond to the rapidly changing social climate around sexuality.
1950s and 1960s
During the prolonged public debates about homosexuality, the church and its senior bishops, including Michael Ramsay, then Archbishop of Canterbury,
Church of England says no to gay marriage but Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes blessings for same-sex couples in historic first
The Church of England has said it will bless homosexual 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 tracking a legal marriage ceremony.
The Church's bishops met on Tuesday to make last recommendations on its position on sexuality, after five years of debate and consultation produced a report.
Their consensus was that spiritual matrimony exists only between a man and a woman and this would not change.
Nor would it be put 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 pray it can offer a way for the Church of England, publicly and unequivocally, to say to all Christians and especially LGBTQI+ people that you are welcome and a valued and precious part of the
Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions
The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as extended as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts akin to civil unions or weddings.
A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.
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end of listThe document backed “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” but “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them”.
It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not
Church of England backs services for homosexual couples
Gay couples will be able to have special services of blessing in Church of England parishes for the first time.
The services, while not formal weddings, will be able to include the wearing of rings, prayers, confetti and a blessing from the priest.
The amendment to back the services on a trial basis passed the Church's parliament by one vote.
The Church of England's official teaching is that marriage is only between one man and one woman.
Earlier this year, bishops refused to back a alter in teaching which would have allowed priests to join same-sex couples, but said they would allow prayers of blessings for people in gay relationships as part of wider services.
It had been thought consent for standalone services might not advance for well over a year from now.
But Wednesday's vote, which passed narrowly in the General Synod, the Church's legislative body, means distinct services of blessing could now be allowed, rather than simply prayers within a normal church service.
While there is no put timeframe for temporary trial services to begin, it is understood these could be authorised in the comings w
Will the Church of England split over same-sex marriage?
For more than two decades, Jay Greene and Rev Marion Clutterbuck have devoted themselves to each other and the Church of England.
Now retired, Marion still takes services in their local parish, supporting her congregation - and in twist, is supported by Jay.
But they can't celebrate their adore by getting married in the church. A decade after same-sex marriage was legalised in England and Wales, the Church of England still refuses to allow same-sex couples to marry in a religious building.
There are signs of a shift. In February, after six years of debate, the church voted to move forward with plans to allow same-sex couples to receive a religious blessing after their civil marriage takes place elsewhere.
The church's fundamental doctrine of marriage - that it is between one bloke and one female - remains unchanged. The blessing isn't the same as getting married, and the wording has yet to be decided, but some within the church see it as a step on the way to full marriage equality.
In the same debate, Synod members also voted to "lament and repent" the failure of the Church to welcome LGBTQIA+ people, and for the damage