(Times) Leader–The law should be changed to allow churches to hold civil partnership ceremonies

The Church of England has so far resisted change, arguing that if some religious groups are allowed to hold civil partnerships then the pressure on the C of E to follow suit will become intolerable. It is a feeble argument. No one is arguing that any church should be forced to conduct a civil partnership. But willing churches should not be precluded from doing so.

Benjamin Disraeli believed the Church of England to be “a part of our liberties, a part of our national character”. If it has any hope of continuing in that role, the Church ”” and the Government ”” must recognise that our liberties today should include the right of homosexuals to register the most important promise of their lives in a church.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, * International News & Commentary, --Civil Unions & Partnerships, Anglican Provinces, Archbishop of Canterbury, Church of England (CoE), Church/State Matters, CoE Bishops, England / UK, Law & Legal Issues, Liturgy, Music, Worship, Parish Ministry, Religion & Culture, Sexuality