Church of England proposes new guidance on gay marriage

The Church of England on Wednesday proposed that clergy could give prayers of dedication, thanksgiving, or blessing after same-sex civil marriages or partnerships, but said it would not allow same-sex unions in its churches. The Church of England’s formal teaching will continue to be that Holy Matrimony is between one man and one woman for life. The new proposals will be outlined Friday in a report to the Church’s General Synod, which meets next month. The Church said it would also apologize to LGBT people for any rejection or hostility they’ve felt from the church. 

What was their previous stance on same-sex unions? The church has been debating its stance on sexuality for six years. The new proposal includes a commitment to replacing the Church’s 1991 statement on “Issues in Human Sexuality.” It says homosexuality is inferior to heterosexuality as to the “created order” and “insights of revelation,” but also says that a Christian who experiences homosexual desires should be loved and accepted by their church. 

Dig deeper: Read Thaddeus Williams’ column in World Opinions about the success of a gay rights strategy.