Diocese of Hereford proposes motion to allow official blessing after civil partnership or secular marriage ceremonyThe Church of England will debate blessings for same-sex couples for the first time after a motion to discuss the issue was put forward by the diocese of Hereford. Scottish Anglican church faces sanctions over vote to allow same-sex marriage Read moreUnder the proposals put forward by the diocesan synod, official Church of England services would be held after a couple has formed a civil partnership or married in a secular ceremony. The plans fall short of calling for same-sex wedding services to take place in church but priests would be allowed to offer a formal blessing to couples. The bishop of Hereford, the Rt Rev Richard Frith, said the motion was a response to requests from same-sex couples to perform the services informally. “Clergy of the Church of England are unable to marry couples of the same sex and, under the House of Bishops’ pastoral statement on same sex marriage, ‘services of blessing’ should not be provided for those who enter into civil partnerships or same-sex marriages.

Source: The Guardian October 20, 2017 23:04 UTC