The Church of England, which is the established Christian church in England and the mother church of the international Anglican Communion, upholds its ban on same-sex marriage and is set to issue an apology to the LGBTQ+ community over the decision.
The announcement was made on Wednesday and the church noted that it will allow blessings for same-sex, civil marriages for the first time in history. However, it argued that same-sex couples will still be barred from being allowed to marry inside its churches.
Church of England's Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
The church's decision follows five years of debate and consultation on the church's position on sexuality. It is also expected to be outlined in a report to the church's national assembly, the General Synod, which is scheduled to meet next month in London.
The Church of England's stance that the sacrament of matrimony is restricted to unions between one man and one woman, under the proposals, will not change. But it would allow same-sex couples to have a church service with prayers of dedication, thanksgiving, or for God's blessing after they have a civil wedding or register a civil partnership, as per ABC News.
Since 2013, same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales but the church still has not changed its teachings in parallel with the law. In a statement, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, acknowledged that the proposals "will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others."
He added that the church's response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions regarding sexuality, relationships, and marriage. Welby said that he rejoiced in that diversity and welcomed that way of reflecting it in the life of the church.
The religious leader said that he was hoping the decision can offer a way for the Church of England to publicly and unequivocally tell all of its Christians and especially the LGBTQ+ community that they are welcome and are considered a valued and precious part of the body of Christ.
Apology to the LGBTQ+ Community
The newest proposals were developed by the church's bishops, who form one of three parts of its governing body. The announcement comes as the Church of England is viewed as central to the wider Anglican communion, which represents more than 85 million people in more than 165 countries, according to Reuters.
A statement also noted that bishops of the church will issue an apology to the LGBTQ+ community later this week for the "rejection, exclusion, and hostility" that they have faced in churches.
The decision was made after several months of multiple bishops in England's established church publicly urging the religious institution to begin conducting same-sex weddings. These include ranking Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft.
A gay Anglican priest, Charlie Bell, said in an interview that he was extremely disappointed that same-sex marriage would still be prevented from being put on a vote during the general synod. He predicted that the proposals from the bishops will not end the battles and struggles within the Church of England over the issue, said Fox News.