Originally published in Premier Christian News
The Church in Wales Governing Body has voted to make permanent provision for church blessings for couples in same-sex civil marriages and civil partnerships.
The decision follows a five-year experimental period and was approved by the required two-thirds majority across bishops, clergy and laity at a meeting in Llandudno.
Speaking after the vote, Most Rev Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, who is in a same-sex relationship, told Premier Christian News she was happy with both the decision and the tone of the debate.
She said: “I’m very pleased at the way the debate panned out… it was done very respectfully… it was Christ-like, the way I would hope Christians would be able to speak to one another despite their differences.”
On the decision itself, she added: “It seemed to many of us that it would be ungenerous to take that offer [same-sex blessings] away from those for whom it had been important, and indeed a lifeline.”
The archbishop said only around 10 same-sex blessings have taken place in the province since it was allowed in 2021.
There is a conscience clause in the legislation, providing “security and protection” for clergy who don’t agree with taking services of blessing for same-sex couples.
The decision comes after scathing criticism from conservative Anglican group GAFCON, which last year said the election of Cherry Vann as Archbishop “shatters the communion” and called it a departure from Anglican orthodoxy.
Responding to wider disagreement within the Anglican Communion on issues of sexuality and marriage, Archbishop Cherry said provinces are in “very different places and very different contexts”, adding that each must decide its own position on issues relating to human life and community.
“We respect those for whom this is bad news,” she said, “but we graciously ask them to accept that here in Wales the Governing Body has taken a different view”.
On whether the move signals a step towards same-sex marriage, she said there are “very different views” within the Church, with some who supported blessings finding further change “difficult”. Consultation will continue ahead of possible proposals in 2027.
On her personal view of same-sex marriage, she said: “I have to be careful not to confuse my role… with my own personal opinion. I’m ambivalent on the matter.” She added that she and her partner do not feel “diminished” by not being able to marry in church.
Reflecting on her wider prayer for the Church on the issue, Archbishop Cherry said: “That we will learn to see ourselves as members of the Body of Christ, whatever our views… our unity is held in Christ.”
She added: “We don’t agree on this, but we are Christians… called to work together as the Body of Christ for the sake of the world.”
Earlier this year, the Church of England paused its formal Living in Love and Faith process on introducing standalone blessing services for same-sex couples, deferring any final decision.
However, prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or blessing for same-sex couples within regular church services, are permitted.
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