In June 2017, the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church voted in favour of changing the Canon law on marriage to allow clergy to solemnise marriages between couples of the same sex. The revised Canon acknowledges that there are different understandings of the nature of marriage, and that no clergy would be obliged to solemnise a marriage against their conscience. An ‘opt-in’ process was put in place for those clergy and congregations who feel called to offer equal marriage.
The clergy and congregation of St Oswald’s have been discerning what the change to the Canon on marriage means to us. Following wide-ranging discussions, much prayer and a congregational ballot, the Vestry have agreed to accept the guidance of the congregation to allow the church to be used for the solemnisation of same-sex marriages according to Canon 31 and the Marriage Liturgy of the Church. The Rev Jim Geen, Priest-in-Charge, is now in the process of registering as a celebrant.
Jim: “The decision of the Scottish Episcopal Church to offer the opportunity of Christian marriage to couples of the same sex was mirrored in the decision of the congregation to allow these marriages to take place within our church building.”
