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Church in Wales Makes Same-Sex Blessings Permanent

The move signals a phased path toward possible equal marriage in 2027.

Overview

  • The Church in Wales, which passed the bill Thursday, will keep offering blessings to couples in same-sex civil marriages or partnerships.
  • The measure cleared the required two-thirds in all three orders, with clergy voting 32–7, laity 48–8, and all five bishops in favor.
  • The wording will be added to the Church in Wales Book of Common Prayer, formalizing the blessing first trialed in 2021.
  • Clergy may decline to lead the service on conscience grounds, and the body approved amendments to strengthen those protections.
  • Leaders plan to bring proposals in April 2027 on permitting church weddings for same-sex couples, which highlights a wider difference with the Church of England.