CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

From 21 December 2005 in England and Wales (and days earlier in Scotland and Northern Ireland), lesbian and gay couples in the United Kingdom were able to register their partnerships. For the first time the state is giving legal recognition and protection to committed lesbian and gay relationships. This brings new responsibilities as well as a greater equality and authority within the community.

Responses to Civil Partnerships

Episcopal responses

The Church is having great difficulty in responding positively to this new reality. The House of Bishops has issued a Statement setting out their position. They are constrained by their commitment to the policy of the Church outlined in Issues in Human Sexuality (1991), Resolution 1.10 of Lambeth 1998 and the Windsor Report.

A number of bishops have issued letters and statements, both positive and negative.

Affirming responses

Changing Attitude has issued a Rough Guide to Civil Partnerships, indicating what may and may not be safe to do within the terms of Church policy.

Affirming Catholicism has published Civil Partnership: A Guide for Christians by Jonathan Sedgwick, with a Foreword by the Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans. The guide surveys the provisions of the Act and looks at the practical and pastoral considerations for the Church. It is essential reading for any couple contemplating registration and for Christians who wish to understand the implications of faithful lesbian and gay partnerships in their congregation.

Worship resources

Changing Attitude is collating resources for couples who would like to follow their civil registration with a service of blessing or thanksgiving, whether in church or another venue.

New Westminster rite

On May 23, 2003, Canadian Bishop Michael Ingham issued a rite of blessing of people in committed same-sex unions. The bishop stated that the rite was a blessing of permanent and faithful commitments between persons of the same sex in order that they might have the support and encouragement of the church in their lives under God. He said it was not a marriage ceremony, or similar in form to one. He stated that couples who seek the blessing must receive preparation and instruction, and be supported and sustained by the parish throughout their lives together. The rite is copyright of the Diocese of New Westminster.

News items relevant to Civil Partnerships

Recent items in date order

Click on the heading of an item to view the full news story.

Church Services after Civil Partnerships
(Civil Partnerships – 20/06/2008)

Inclusive Church has published a paper by Revd Brian Lewis, a member of General Synod and of IC's Executive Committee on the law in relation to services after Civil Partnerships. The paper demonstrates that under the laws of the Church of England - especially Canon B5 - clergy have far greater liberty in this area than is commonly thought.

Older items

See the Civil Partnerships section of the archive page.

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E-mail office@changingattitude.org

This page was last updated on Monday, 25 February 2008