Same Sex Couples

The current position is that in the Church of England we are not allowed to conduct same sex marriages, and that is enshrined in the law of the land, not the Church’s decision. The Church of England has ruled that we are not allowed to offer a service of blessing for a same sex marriage or Civil Partnership.

It is unfortunate that the impression that this may have left is that the Church of England is a church where there isn’t a place for gay and lesbian individuals and couples. However, this is not the case nationally, and certainly not the case for St Mark’s Church. Although we are unable, at this time, to offer a service of marriage or a service of blessing, we are very willing to offer a service of prayer, during which thanks for a same sex relationship can be given and the couple’s future prayed for.

A service of prayer could be contained within the main Sunday morning service, but may also be appropriately placed as a separate service.

In both cases there would always be careful preparation with the couple, working out such details as music, readings, expected number of guests, etc as well as discussing expectations of what the service would be.

If this is something that you wish to explore please contact Revd Jane Mainwaring on  or 01462 434686.

Related links
You can see section 1 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 here:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/30/section/1

You can see the Pastoral Guidance to Church of England clergy here:
http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/02/house-of-bishops-pastoral-guidance-on-same-sex-marriage.aspx