Church of England says no to gay marriage but will bless same-sex couples – National | 24CA News
The Church of England mentioned Wednesday it can enable blessings for same-sex, civil marriages for the primary time however same-sex {couples} nonetheless is not going to be allowed to marry in its church buildings.
The resolution adopted 5 years of debate and session on the church’s place on sexuality. It is predicted to be outlined in a report back to the church’s nationwide meeting, the General Synod, which meets in London subsequent month.
Under the proposals, the Church of England’s stance that the sacrament of matrimony is restricted to unions between one man and one girl is not going to change.
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However, same-sex {couples} would be capable of have a church service with prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God’s blessing after they’ve a civil wedding ceremony or register a civil partnership.
Same-sex marriage has been authorized in England and Wales since 2013, however the church didn’t change its educating when the regulation modified.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the non secular chief of the Anglican Church, acknowledged that the proposals “will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others.”
“This response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships and marriage. I rejoice in that diversity and I welcome this way of reflecting it in the life of our church,” Welby mentioned.
“I hope 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 body of Christ,” he added.
The church mentioned bishops plan to situation a proper apology to LGBTQ individuals on Friday for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they’ve felt from throughout the church.
It mentioned it will situation pastoral steering to its ministers and congregations and urge them to welcome same-sex {couples} “unreservedly and joyfully.”
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell apologized for “the way LGBTQI+ people and those they love have been treated by the church which, most of all, ought to recognize everyone as precious and created in the image of God.”
“We are deeply sorry and ashamed and want to take this opportunity to begin again in the spirit of repentance which our faith teaches us,” he mentioned. “This is not the end of that journey, but we have reached a milestone, and I hope that these prayers of love and faith can provide a way for us all to celebrate and affirm same-sex relationships.”
Cottrell mentioned the proposals is not going to be “what everyone wants,” however additional modifications would require a legislative overhaul and there was at the moment no majority supporting such change.
Jayne Ozanne, a outstanding campaigner for LGBTQ individuals within the church, mentioned the bishops’ resolution was “utterly despicable.”
“I cannot believe that five years of pain and trauma has got us here. We have had countless apologies over the years but no action to stop the harmful discrimination,” she tweeted.
The General Synod is predicted to debate the proposals intimately throughout its Feb. 6-Feb. 9 assembly.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
