Guernsey’s Methodist church considering allowing same-sex marriages in its chapels
Currently, same-sex couples in Methodist churches in the Channel Islands can only have a blessing
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Guernsey’s Methodist church is reportedly considering allowing same-sex marriage in its chapels.
Currently, same-sex couples in Methodist churches in the Channel Islands can only have a blessing but now, ITV News reported that church leaders are asking the community for their thoughts on same-sex marriages ahead of a consultation in October.
In Guernsey, same-sex marriages have been legal since 2017 but doesn’t apply to all churches after the Methodist church refused to embrace the change.
Guernsey’s Superintendent Minister, Reverend Howard Stringer, said same-sex marriages could bring a positive change to the island and enable same-sex couples to have their love legally recognised.
However, he did say that if the change is approved, ministers are able to opt out of conducting same-sex ceremonies in their chapels.
The consultation begins nationally this October and if the change is given the go-ahead, it is likely to come into effect mid-2020.
If the Methodist church changes its stance, it would mean same-sex couples could get married in churches across the United Kingdom.