Church in Wales to consider offering service of blessing for same-sex couples

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Governing Body of the Church in Wales will consider passing a bill that would allow a service of blessing for same-sex couples who are married or in civil partnerships, Christian Today (CT) reports. The Church is not considering allowing gay couples to marry in church, however.

The proposed bill would allow the Church to offer a service of blessing on a trial basis for five years, CT said. “The service is for a blessing only as same-sex couples are unable to marry in church,” the Church in Wales said in a statement. Clergy will be allowed to decide whether to offer the blessing service or not.

“Approval of this rite would be stating that the Church in Wales accepts that the loving and faithful commitment of two persons of the same sex, aspiring to life-long fidelity and mutual comfort, and who have made a commitment in civil partnership or marriage, is worthy of acceptance by the Church by asking God’s blessing upon their commitment,” an Explanatory Memorandum said.

The Church in Wales has already published a document containing guidelines for pastors on the issue of homosexuality. “There can be no room for seeking to undermine sincerely held views. Neither should we seek to walk away from each other,” the document says.

The Governing Body will consider the new bill at a meeting on September 6, CT reports.

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