A priest has become the first in Britain to defy the Church of England’s ban on gay clergy marrying.
Canon Jeremy Pemberton, 58, a divorced hospital chaplain, wed his long-term partner Laurence Cunnington, 51, on Saturday afternoon.
Campaigners expressed delight that the couple had taken advantage of Britain’s newly-introduced gay marriage laws and urged bishops to “bless” their partnership. They predict he will be the first of many gay clergy to marry.
What will Archbishop Welby do about this?
Yep. The liberals in CofE will push the boundaries because they do not fear any action taken against them (although possibly in Dio London they might).
Contrast with the situation recently in Anglican Church of Australia where all the bishops including liberals told one of their own not to try it.
The issue is not legal sanctions – they exist – but whether those charged with the pastoral care of the church are prepared to use them.