The Church of England said Wednesday it will still not allow same-sex weddings in its churches, though it would start allowing blessings for those who have married in a civil ceremony.
In a statement, the church said it will issue an apology later this week for the "rejection, exclusion, and hostility" that LGBTQ+ individuals have faced. However, the statement added, "the formal teaching of the Church of England as set out in the canons and authorized liturgies — that [marriage] is between one man and one woman for life — would not change" under the new proposal.
"Same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church, but could have a service in which there would be prayers of dedication ... following a civil marriage or partnership," the church said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, acknowledged that the move would seem "not nearly far enough" for some, though he hoped it would be seen as a decision for the common good.
Wednesday's decision followed five years of contentious debate with the Church of England, The Associated Press notes, and it is expected to be officially outlined in a report to the church's national assembly in February.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013, but the Church of England has never changed its teachings.
Charlie Bell, an Anglican priest who lives in London with his partner, told BBC News he felt a "deep disappointment" with the decision.
"It leaves same-sex couples in a bit of a limbo and also as second-class citizens," Bell said. "We're still saying to gay couples that their relationships are less than relationships between people of opposite sexes."
-
The IDF's manpower problemThe Explainer Israeli military's shortage of up to 12,000 troops results in call-up for tens of thousands of reservists
-
Quiz of The Week: 16 – 22 AugustQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
Can Soho House get its edge back?Talking Point The private members' club has lost its exclusive appeal – but a £2 billion buy-out could offer a fresh start
-
Southern Baptists lay out their political road mapThe Explainer The Southern Baptist Convention held major votes on same-sex marriage, pornography and more
-
Southern Baptists endorse gay marriage banSpeed Read The largest US Protestant denomination voted to ban same-sex marriage and pornography at their national meeting
-
Prevost elected first US pope, becomes Leo XIVspeed read Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is a Chicago native who spent decades living in Peru
-
Millions mourn as Vatican prepares for transitionFeature Pope Francis, the pontiff who challenged tradition, leaves the Catholic Church at a crossroad to choose his successor
-
Pope Francis dies at 88Speed Read 'How much contempt is stirred up at times toward the vulnerable, the marginalized and migrants,' Pope Francis wrote in his final living message
-
Christian dramas are having a momentUnder The Radar Biblical stories are being retold as 'bingeable' seven-season shows
-
Pope returns to Vatican after long hospital staySpeed Read Pope Francis entered the hospital on Feb. 14 and battled double pneumonia
-
Texas megachurch founder charged with sex crimesSpeed Read Robert Morris, former spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump, is accused of sexually abusing a child
