Tag: Church in Wales same sex

Church in Wales grants permanent blessings to same-sex marriages Church vote makes blessing service permanent The Church in Wales voted permanently to allow same-sex marriages. This decision comes after a temporary agreement introduced in 2021 that allowed couples who were in civil partnerships or same-sex marriages to receive blessings at church services. With strong backing, the church's ruling body approved this measure. In their individual votes, bishops, clergy and laity all achieved the two-thirds majority required. The lay members were 48-8 in favor, and two abstained. The clergy voted by 32-7 with 5 abstentions. The decision was then unanimously confirmed by the bishops. The decision is made This ruling prohibits full wedding ceremonies in the Church of Wales for couples who are both same-sex. It permanently inserts a formal service of blessing into the Book of Common Prayer. Individual clergy can still refuse to participate in the blessings, if so desired. Senior church leaders provide support The debate was backed by several senior politicians. Bishops from St Asaph, Llandaff and St Asaph spoke out in favor. A bishop expressed concern about the impact of rejection on LGBT+ individuals who may have experienced family separation or long-term distress. One bishop stated that temporary blessings in the past showed "something good and beautiful" inside of the church. Some religious leaders also said that Jesus didn't speak against homosexual relationships directly. They argued the Christian message should be centered on quality relationships, not exclusion. Oppositions and concerns raised Some members were not in agreement with the decision. Some members warned that the change could cause further divisions in the Anglican church as well as the larger Anglican community. The move, according to opponents, could lead tensions between churches from other countries who hold traditional views about sexuality. Others argued the new change blurs marriage and blessings. There were concerns that this decision could conflict with the biblical teachings on marriage. Anglicans have a wider significance This decision illustrates the growing differences between Church in Wales, which offers similar blessing services and Anglican Churches that don't. The decision reflects the ongoing global debate about same-sex relationships within Christianity. Takeaway: While the Church in Wales now makes same-sex marriages blessings permanent and does not allow full church weddings, it has stopped short of fully allowing same-sex couples to have a traditional Church Wedding.
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Church in Wales grants permanent blessings to same-sex marriages

Church vote makes blessing service permanent The Church in Wales voted permanently…

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