The Church of England allows blessings for same-sex marriage, marriage doctrines remained unchanged

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – After long hours of debate, the church of England finally voted to allow blessings for same-sex marriage.
“AP” reported the Church of England but announced not to change doctrine that marriage is between a man and woman only.

The measure passed among bishops, clergy and laity with the final total vote as 250 in favour and 181 against with 10 abstentions.

The painstaking process involved recorded votes on 28 amendments which were passionately argued.

The measure passed largely intact with only one amendment passed, that any future prayers for blessing should not depart from the CofE doctrine on marriage.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since 2013, but the church didn’t alter its teaching on marriage when the law changed.

Public opinion surveys consistently show that a majority of people in England support same-sex marriage. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the church continues to have “deep divisions” on the issue.

The measure approved Thursday endorses a proposal from the church’s bishops to allow clergy to bless the unions of same-sex couples after they marry or have a partnership recognized by civil authorities. But clergy members won’t be required to perform such blessings if they disagree with them.