Bishops consider new approach to same-sex couples
THE bishops of the Church in Wales say it is “unsustainable and unjust” not to make formal provisions for people who are in committed same-gender relationships.
Members of the church’s governing body will today vote in a private ballot to say whether or not they agree that new arrangements are needed.
This could pave the way for future legislation to open the door to gay marriage in the Church in Wales.
Last year Scottish Anglicans voted to allow gay couples to marry in church and the Most Rev Mark Strange, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, will address the governing body and describe the process of change.
Archbishop of Wales John Davies stated in a memo ahead of today’s meeting in Lampeter: “The Bishops of the Church in Wales believe that it is pastorally unsustainable and unjust for the Church to continue to make no formal provision for those in committed same-gender relationships. We are keenly aware of the deep desire on the part of some for us to lead in a particular and very definite direction, but we are also equally aware of others for whom that would be deeply and profoundly disturbing for us to do so.”
Members will be asked whether or not they agree with the statement: “It is pastorally unsustainable for the Church to make no formal provision for those in same-gender relationships.”
The Archbishop stressed this will not change the Church in Wales’ doctrine on marriage but will “provide an important steer” for the bishops in “determining where to go next”.
He noted that there was “clear division” about the action they should take, with some pressing for change that others would regard as “anathema”.
But he said both groups were “valued parts of our Church family which the Bishops are called both to lead and care for pastorally”.
Changing Attitude (Trawsnewid Agwedd Cymru), a group which campaigns for the full inclusion of LGBT people in the Anglican Communion, pushed for same-sex marriage to become a reality in the Church in Wales.
It said in a statement: “The time is now for the Church in Wales to make it possible for congregations and clergy to exercise freedom of conscience and to act as they believe God is calling them; that is, to provide formal provision for same-sex marriage and for God’s blessing for those who have had to seek civil partnership or civil marriage because of the Church’s current position.”
However, the meeting of the governing body is unlikely to be without controversy, with questions raised about the decision to invite the Scottish Anglican leader.
The Rev Dean Aaron Roberts, a curate at St Michael’s Church, Michaelston-y-Fedw, part of the diocese of Monmouth, said: “I raised a question to the bishops asking them to explain why there hasn’t been an alternative speaker invited alongside the Primus to give a different point of view. The Anglican Communion (which consists of approximately 85 million Christians worldwide) differs in conviction on the subject of same-sex marriages, but with most provinces still understanding marriage as between one man and one woman.”
He added: “Everyone in the Church in Wales agrees that all must feel welcome to be a part of a church community, but there is difference of opinion on what that inclusion looks like in theology and practice. Therefore, I, along with a good number of others feel it is important that we are given a fair and balanced presentation in order to facilitate properly informed discussion.
“Any or no change will have big consequences for the Church in Wales.”
The Church in Wales continues to face the challenge of declining numbers of people coming to services. In 2010, 34,717 adults on average attended a service on a Sunday; last year the figure was just 27,359.
Stressing that no decision had been made to take the Welsh Church down the path as its Scottish counterpart, the Archbishop of Wales said: “We are of one view that it is pastorally unsustainable for us to do nothing, so the time has come for change.
“As for what that change might be, we have not come to any decision.”