After debates on the
topic at the Methodist Conference, the proposals to allow same-sex marriages
were passed with 254 votes in favor and 46 against
As such, the Methodist
church has become the largest religious denomination in the UK to allow
same-sex marriages, putting it at odds with the Church of England.
The Church announced on Wednesday that
same-sex couples will be allowed to get married on its premises, although, the freedom of conscience clause will allow
ministers to opt out of conducting such weddings.
According to a report
by the Guardian,
the Rev Sonia Hicks, elected as the Methodists’ first black female president at
the weekend, said it was a “historic day for our church”. She urged people “to
support each other respecting our differences”. Dignity & Worth, a campaign
group in the Methodist Church, said the vote was a “momentous step on the road
to justice and inclusion” after many years of sometimes painful conversations. Rev.
Sam McBratney, who chairs the group, praised the “courageous step” taken by the
church.
The report states that
the conference also voted to recognise, accept, and celebrate the love and
commitment of unmarried cohabiting couples. Same-sex marriage is forbidden in
the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church but permitted by Quakers in
Britain, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and United Reformed Church. Jayne
Ozanne, a campaigner for LGBT+ equality and a member of the C of E’s ruling
body, the General Synod, said the vote reflected “the significant shift that
there has been among Christian attitudes in England, and shows how so many
people would echo the recent call of Bishop Paul Bayes to allow same-sex
marriage in the C of E”.