The role that the church should play in performing same-sex marriages has been at the forefront of theological debates, and the topic of conversations spiritual leaders have been having for some time now. However, in recent years, more and more churches have started to actively take stances on this issue.
As of June 2021, The Methodist denomination in Great Britain voted to affirm and perform same-sex marriage. As of May 2022, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland’s General Assembly voted to allow pastors to perform same-sex marriages if they chose to do so.
However, at the same time, many denominations still stand firmly against the affirmation of same-sex marriage, and questions of whether or not churches will affirm or allow same-sex marriage continue to be asked.
In the wake of the decisions and debates, the Church of England has taken steps towards reconciling this sensitive and divisive issue.
Most recently the Church of England has made plans to move forward with implementing liturgical blessings for same-sex couples in the church. These blessings would not necessarily be an affirmation of said marriages but would seek to reconcile and heal the rifts between the church and members who are part of a same-sex relationship.
The intentions to implement these blessings were first put into motion during a national assembly in February of 2023. They were then later outlined in a 108-page paper released by the Church of England’s national assembly, the General Synod.
The paper titled, “Living in Love and Faith: Setting Out the Progress Made and Work Still to Do” outlines the theological purpose of these blessings. It also acknowledges the progress that church officials believe the church has made regarding the issue and plans for progress that they hope to achieve regarding this issue.
“This paper aims to set out that progress, the theological and legal work behind it, and the further work required to fulfill that implementation,” the writers of the document state.
As for the matter at hand, the paper has outlined it as an issue of “Pastoral Provision.” Stating, “Given where we are, an argument is being made for a theological rationale of ‘pastoral provision in a time of uncertainty.”
This is based on the trajectory of pastoral provision which already exists within our church and tradition, which does not change doctrine in any essential matter but changes our practical pastoral response and the way we relate within the church and outwards to the world.”
The paper further explains this view stating, “We consider that what is envisaged by way of pastoral provision – which involves acknowledging and celebrating what is good in same-sex relationships even if the Church is unable to commend every aspect of some relationships – is a new insight into doctrine that can be reflected in forms of worship and that doing so represents a proper degree of flexibility.”
Some members of the Anglican church have taken to social media and expressed their disappointment in the lack of progress they feel the Church of England is making in affirming same-sex couples. At the same time, some have expressed their disappointment in what they see as a deviance from the Biblical view of marriage and sexuality. Some church leaders and clergy have rejoiced at the decisions made, while others have resigned over these decisions that they do not believe they can support.
It is undeniable that decisions regarding same-sex marriage in the church are a sensitive and complex issue for many believers and church leaders, with many churches and denominations having to split over disagreements. The recent decisions and proposals made by the Church of England are just one of many examples of how churches are being affected by this issue and the decisions being made.