Church of England finally rejects to bless same-sex marriages

 

The Church of England said same-sex couples still will not be allowed to marry in its churches.

The decision followed five years of debate and consultation on the church's position on sexuality. It is expected to be outlined in a report to the church's national assembly, the General Synod, which meets in London next month.

Under the proposals, the Church of England's stance that the sacrament of matrimony is restricted to unions between one man and one woman will not change.

However, same-sex couples would be able to have a church service with prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God's blessing after they have a civil wedding or register a civil partnership.

The decision puts the Church of England at odds with its Anglican equivalent in Scotland. The Scottish Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland both allow same-sex weddings.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013, but the church did not change its teaching when the law changed, and they don't change for now.