Church in Wales approves permanent blessings for same-sex marriages

Support for change grows after five-year trial

The Church in Wales’ leadership has finalized a proposal to make blessings for same-sex unions a lasting part of its rituals. This decision follows a temporary initiative launched in 2021, which allowed couples to receive church blessings for their partnerships. Key figures such as bishops from St Asaph and Llandaff voiced backing for the measure before it was enacted. Despite the approval, individual clergy retain the option to decline participating in such ceremonies.

With 143 members casting their votes, the change was endorsed by a significant majority. The motion required a two-thirds approval from three groups—bishops, clergy, and lay members. Lay representatives voted 48 to eight in favor, with two abstentions, while clergy supported it 32 to seven, including five abstentions. Bishops ultimately confirmed the passage without dissent. The updated language, introduced five years ago, will now be included in the Book of Common Prayer, the central text for the Church’s standard liturgies.

Voices of support and concern

Bishop Gregory Cameron of St Asaph shared a personal story during the debate, highlighting the emotional toll of excluding LGBTQ+ individuals. He described a young man who had distanced himself from his family for four years due to fear of their reaction to his sexuality. “Can we not be a church that causes such suffering?” Gregory asked, framing the issue as a core choice in the proposal.

Bishop Mary Stallard of Llandaff echoed similar sentiments, citing a friend’s experience of internal conflict caused by the Church’s stance on sexuality. “A culture of shame told them being gay wasn’t acceptable,” she said. “The Church did something meaningful by offering the blessing, even temporarily.”

Rev Rhun ap Robert, representing the Bangor diocese, argued that Jesus “never condemned same-sex relationships.” He emphasized the importance of relationship quality over the specific nature of the union. However, not all clergy were in agreement. Andy Grimwood, a St Asaph diocese deacon, expressed concern that the move might “divide” the Anglican community. “I fear this doesn’t unite, but splits,” he warned, referencing colleagues in other countries who felt “pained” by the change.

Julia Schulz, a lay member from Bangor, questioned the blessing’s alignment with biblical teachings. She urged the congregation to remember the “blueprint for Christian marriage” outlined in scripture. Meanwhile, Rev Melanie Prince from St Davids diocese noted the blessing’s similarity to traditional marriage services, while discussing challenges faced by the Anglican Church in Nigeria.

Significance of the decision

The permanent blessing marks a growing shift within the Church in Wales, distinct from the Church of England, which has not yet adopted a similar practice. This change may signal broader acceptance of same-sex marriages in the future. In July 2025, Cherry Vann became the first female and first openly LGBT+ Archbishop of Wales, advocating for a Church that reflects “diversity in our communities.” Her election drew criticism from conservative Anglicans, who called it “a blow to Anglican orthodoxy.”

Vann was chosen by her peers with a two-thirds majority, following the retirement of Andrew John, who stepped down amid controversies involving safeguarding, alcohol misuse, and sexual misconduct at Bangor Cathedral. A February report also revealed that a priest who had assaulted a 15-year-old boy over three decades was promoted to bishop, with allegations concealed by the clergy.