Church in Wales to vote on blessings for same-sex marriages

Same-sex couples could have their civil partnerships or marriages blessed in some churches following a vote on Monday.

Leaders from The Church In Wales will consider allowing the blessings at a meeting of the Church's Governing Body- but same-sex couples will still remain unable to marry in a church.

If approved, the special blessing will be introduced for five years with individual clergy members able to decide whether or not they wish to take part.

The meeting comes after the church's governing body said it was "pastorally unsustainable" for the church not to provide any sort of service for those in committed same-sex relationships.

They describe the plans as a “step on the way towards repentance of a history in the Church which has demonised and persecuted gay and lesbian people, forcing them into fear, dishonesty and sometimes even hypocrisy, and which has precluded them from living publicly and honestly lives of committed partnership.” 

Speaking last month, the former Archbishop of Wales said it would be a "slap in the face" for LGBT Christians if the church does not consider introducing services of blessing for same-sex couples.

Bishop John Davies said while a service of blessing would stop short of a full marriage ceremony, it would be wrong for the church not to consider changing the rules when the governing body meets.

Church officials will debate the plans to introduce the blessings at a meeting in Newport with Bishops urging members to discuss the proposed changes in a "respectful and dignified way."