Same-sex marriage

Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013

Since March 29 2014, under the provisions of this Act, same-sex marriages are permitted by law in England and Wales and, as a result of this, clerics may receive enquiries from same-sex couples seeking to be married in church.

As the law stands, same-sex marriages may not be solemnised by the Church in Wales. However, following approval at the Governing Body of the Church in Wales in September 2021, a Liturgy for the Blessing of a Same-sex Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership has been authorised by the bishops for use in each of the dioceses from 1 October 2021. The text of the service is available here.

Background papers on same sex partnerships

• The Church in Wales and Same-Sex Partnerships (PDF)
• Marriage as a Sacrament - by Ainsley Griffiths (PDF)
• Sexuality and the Image of God - by Peter Sedgwick (PDF)
• The concept of Flourishing in Relation to Marriage as a Good, and the Question of Gay Partnerships - by Ali Green (PDF)
• Same Sex Marriage - Biblical Considerations - by Will Strange (PDF)
• Fundamental Scriptural Approaches - by Matthew Hill (PDF)