In Britain, the Church of England has voted to bless same-sex marriages, but such couples are still banned. Now minorities can not only get married with the blessing of the church - she will also apologize for the persecution of LGBT +, writes The Guardian.
After over eight hours of heated debate, the General Synod voted in favor of it by a vote of 250 to 181. The Synod also agreed that the Church should apologize for the harm it has caused to LGBTQ+ people.
- the publication says.
The first blessings for same-sex couples could take place as early as this summer. British archbishops have said that for the first time, the Anglican Church will "unreservedly and joyfully" welcome same-sex couples to church.
After the announcement of the results of the vote, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, called what is happening "a moment of hope for the church." And the very recognition of same-sex unions was explained by the Synod in accordance with the “new Christian understanding of the Holy Scriptures in the XNUMXst century.”
However, representatives of minorities are dissatisfied with this decision. They said it "doesn't fit" with what they ultimately wanted - "equal marriage for all people." In other words, advocates of "equal marriages" are demanding that same-sex couples be allowed to marry. Minority rights activists call Minod's decision "discrimination", which, in their opinion, is by no means a "Christian value".
The decision of the English Synod came as no surprise to anyone. Back in January, the Council of Bishops refused to fully recognize same-sex marriages and their weddings, but instead offered the option of blessing for couples who had already entered into a secular marriage, subject to the consent of the rector of a particular church.
Earlier it was reported that in the US Took place the formal signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, which the White House says will make same-sex marriage legal.