The Church of England endorses gay unions
The proposals to bestow blessings on same-sex couples engaged in civil partnerships and marriage have been accepted by the Church of England General Synod.
At the church’s parliament meeting on Thursday, the motion passed after a lengthy discussion that lasted over two days.
If the motion is approved, same-sex couples will be able to visit Anglican churches for services that include prayers for God’s blessing, devotion, and thanksgiving following a lawful marriage ceremony.
Although they can decline, priests will have the option of blessing gay marriages.
As a result of six years of work on issues of identity, relationships, sexuality, and marriage known as Living In Love And Faith, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, had brought the motion.
The motion did not seek to change the position on gay marriage. Same-sex couples are still unable to marry in church. A minute of silence was observed before the vote, followed by a prayer said by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
