Church Of England To Begin Blessing Same-Sex Couples

Via press release from the Church Of England:

A selection of readings and prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples can be used in Church of England services for the first time from Sunday, December 17, following approval by the House of Bishops.

The final texts of Prayers of Love and Faith, commended for use in regular public worship or private prayer, are published today, together with pastoral guidance which sets out how they could be used.

At a meeting held online this morning, the House of Bishops confirmed its earlier decision to commend the Prayers of Love and Faith resources for use in regular public worship and agreed that this should take effect from Sunday December 17.

The Prayers can be used in regular scheduled services, such as a Sunday Eucharist or Evensong. The House also continued to discuss separate proposals for special standalone services for same-sex couples to be formally authorised under canon law.

Read the full press release. The Church of England first agreed to consider the move last month, resulting in screams of outrage from Franklin Graham. King Charles is the formal head of the Church of England. Photo: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Coming to a church near you. Prayers of Love and Faith available from Sunday. Grateful that at House of Bishops we commended them by a majority of over 2 to 1. No clergy will be compelled to use them. Those who want to, now can.https://t.co/aKT6lo97nN via @churchofengland

— David Walker (@BishManchester) December 12, 2023