Chapel is first for same sex marriage
ACHAPEL is celebrating after becoming the first religious venue to conduct same sex marriages in the town.
Macclesfield Unitarian Chapel is part of an international Unitarian community that has been at the forefront of the campaign for same sex weddings to be allowed by law in places of worship.
According to Home Office, The King Edward Street Chapel is the first place of worship in Macclesfield to offer the service, which means that for the first time in the town, gay couples will be able to include hymns and sacred readings in their service – something not currently permitted in registry offices.
And Michael now Minister
Dadson and Judith Burrows, who will conduct the marriages, are looking forward to marrying their first couple
Michael said: “We have only just got the licence, which took several months, and we are delighted and very excited. We look forward to welcoming couples of the same sex here, to plan and celebrate their marriage in ways which genuinely reflect their own views and spirituality.
“It is just fair and equal access for people, whatever their gender preference. No-one has registered yet but we are hoping they will soon.”
Judith, who attended a same sex blessing in the chapel around five years ago, added that she is ‘really excited’ that such couples will now be able to get married.
She said: “I remember at the blessing the feeling of love in the room was so fantastic.
“As Unitarians, we believe people should have the freedom to believe what they like and to question things, that you are your own spiritual guide and should find your own way, so this is right up our street.”
She added: “I think people of the same sex being able to get married is the way forward. Couples can also marry at the chapel regardless of what religion they are or whether they have one.
Judith said: “Getting married here gives people the freedom to have the ceremony they want in a beautiful setting.
“If they want to include religion, for example a hymn or sacred reading they can do so, whereas they can’t in a registry office.”
Anyone interesting in registering to get married at the chapel should contact Michael Dadson on Michael.dadson@maccunitarians.co.uk or see maccunitarians.co.uk.