Church of England Drafts Guidance for Same-Sex Couple Blessings
The Church of England is in the process of drafting new pastoral guidance and materials to allow same-sex couples to receive blessings from priests. The General Synod recently held a debate to gather members' views on proposals for same-sex couples to have a prayer service after a civil marriage or partnership. The CoE had previously banned same-sex marriages in its churches but set out proposals for blessings. The responses received from the Synod were generally positive, with some concerns about the prayers being too similar to marriage. LGBTQ+ Christians have protested, calling for same-sex marriages instead of blessings. A draft bill has also been published by a Labour MP to allow the CoE to conduct same-sex marriages.