Churches divided on same-sex marriage

The Church Of Scotland in Guernsey has confirmed it is joining with the Methodist church in welcoming same-sex marriage.

But it looks like the Anglican churches – including the parish churches – will not be joining them, as the church’s parliament, General Synod, is expected to reject the idea this week.

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, said that it would not be proper to comment on the matter until the conclusion of debate in synod.

St Andrew’s in the Grange, in St Peter Port, is part of the Church of Scotland, which in a vote in May 2022 left the decision on whether ceremonies could be performed up to individual ministers.

Its minister, the Rev. Justin Taylor, said that after consultation with his congregation he was open to performing same-sex marriages.

‘My position and the position of my congregation is that we will conduct same sex-marriages,’ he said.

‘We haven’t conducted any yet or been approached by anyone in a same-sex relationship looking to get married.

‘I have colleagues in the UK who have made the same decision as myself and others who would say no. And I respect both points of view.’

Mr Taylor said he still needed to speak to the Greffe to double check that local legal requirements were being followed.

‘We hadn’t made it public knowledge yet, as we need to check if any changes are needed legally over the wording. 0I can’t speak on behalf of the Church of England but this was decided by the Church of Scotland with the congregation and members, through numerous votes.

‘Even though theology can be different you can work together. Just like with politicians, it’s about serving the people of the island.’

The Methodist Church in Guernsey announced in July of 2021 that some of its ministers were happy to conduct same-sex marriages after a vote within the UK Church.

Bailiwick of Guernsey Methodist circuit superintendent minister the Rev. Howard Stringer said that despite the announcement more than 18 months ago, local churches were still to perform a ceremony.

He said that all Methodist churches had been given the opportunity of choosing to opt in.

‘No minister will be obliged to do anything which is against their conscience. Those married elsewhere and seeking a blessing for their relationship will also be welcomed in those same churches.’

As the Church of England debates this issue this week, the Catholic Church in Guernsey reiterated its stance against same sex marriage, referring the Guernsey Press to a statement released by the Vatican that said that marriage should be limited to a union between a man and a woman, and that in the Vatican’s view, same-sex marriages were not part of God’s plan for families and raising children.