The ban on gay ceremonies in religious institutions in England is set to be lifted. According to reports, liberal MP Lynne Featherstone will make the announcement later today. However, the removal of the ban will not be official until Dec. 5.
Members of the Church of England have already voiced opposition to the idea of having gay ceremonies in their house of worship. The Church of England has stated that it has “no intention” of hosting civil ceremonies within their churches.
Rev. David James, former Bishop of Bradford, is worried that over time the idea of civil ceremonies in churches would shift from being totally voluntary to more of an expectation. Many have strong concerns that should the ban be lifted and civil ceremonies are allowed to take place within churches the distinction between marriage and civil ceremonies would be blurred further....