United Reformed Church approves same-sex 'marriage'

The United Reformed Church (URC) has voted overwhelmingly to allow same-sex 'marriages' in its buildings.

On 9 July members of the URC's general assembly voted in favour of the change at a meeting in Merseyside.

With 60,000 members, the church, which has Presbyterian roots, has become the largest mainstream denomination in the UK to permit same-sex 'marriage' in its churches.
 

The first weddings to take place in the autumn

Local churches within the URC can, with immediate effect, register as venues for same-sex ceremonies, with the first likely to take place from the autumn.

The Rev John Proctor, general secretary of the URC, said: "Today the URC has made an important decision - at which some will rejoice and with which others will be uncomfortable."

He added that churches within the denomination which did not wish to perform same-sex 'marriage' ceremonies would not be compelled to do so:

"This has been a sensitive issue for many in our churches.

"It has been important to take our time over the decision process, and to listen as carefully as we can to one another along the way."
 

Christian Concern speaks of Jesus Christ and biblical marriage at CofE Synod

The URC's decision was made on the same weekend the Church of England's General Synod was meeting for private 'shared conversations', where discussions on human sexuality and same-sex 'marriage' were raised.

Christian Concern exhibited at the gathering in York, to speak of Jesus Christ and to create discussion on what the Bible says about marriage.

This was achieved through highlighting Jesus' teaching on marriage on large banners and on 'pledge' cards.

These 'pledge' cards were available for members of synod to sign, highlighting Matthew 19 and the Book of Common Prayer's marriage solemnization, both of which state marriage is between a man and a woman.
 

Same-sex 'marriage' gathering wider support

The URC decision follows on from Quakers, Unitarians and some small denominations which have already performed same-sex 'marriage' ceremonies.

The Scottish Episcopal Church’s general synod wil' make its final decision on the matter next summer, with the likelihood that it will also vote in favour.

Related Links: 
Christian Concern: Speaking of Jesus Christ at General Synod