UK Methodist Church Conference commends proposals to allow same-sex marriages
The Methodist Church in Britain has moved a step closer to allowing same-sex marriages in its chapels.
The Church's annual Conference, meeting in Birmingham this week, has commended the report "God in Love Unites Us" for consideration by regional synods.
The report departs considerably from the Church's current position on marriage in proposing that Methodist ministers be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.
The recommendations include drawing up new liturgy to offer prayers for when marriages end in divorce and, controversially, also suggest that celibacy before marriage is no longer a requirement by proposing that churches can "offer thanks for and bless" cohabiting couples who are not married....