News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Gay-wedding-blurred-main_article_image.jpg
CC
UK News

Church in Wales to consider allowing gay marriage

An annual meeting of its governing body has heard how most members support the proposals, the Archbishop of Wales said.

Archbishop John Davies told Premier: "There was a very significant majority in favour of us making a formal move ahead and discussing provision further".

Leaders decided on Wednesday to consider a raft of options after agreeing a current lack of "formal provision" for same-sex couples was "pastorally unsustainable"

A ruling by the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) last summer prompted consternation among leaders within the international Anglican community.

Months later, the Archbishop of Justin Welby unveiled a series of sanctions on the SEC which limited its role within the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop John Davies told Premier that bishops had carefully weighed up likely consequences the Church in Wales might face.

He said: "We would be told that we've stepped outside traditional teaching and, for that reason, there would be some criticism - but certainly not alienation.

"Ultimately, we think it is a matter of justice.

"We have in our congregations people who are in faithful same-sex relationships, civil partnerships or indeed marriages.

"They can be admitted to Holy Communion, they can be baptised, they can be confirmed. In some circumstances... they can be ordained.

"So, actually withholding some sort of formal recognition of their relationships appears to us, at this point in time, now to be somewhat unjust."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate