“We welcome the decision of the Government to bring forward
legislation that will allow the holding of same sex weddings in churches and
other religious buildings if that is the wish to the religious body. Unitarians
will grasp the opportunity to carry out equal marriage with open arms. As one
of our hymns says “All Are Welcome Here”.
This move reflects the historic commitment to religious
freedom interpreted for the 21st century and our wish more an
inclusive and more tolerant society. We don't expect Parliament to force other
churches or individual clergy, who may disagree with us, to marry same-sex
couples if they do not wish to do so. However, we do not consider that our
wishes should therefore be simply set aside.
Unitarian ministers have been undertaking blessings of same
sex couples for over thirty years and our experience is that the intentions of
a same sex couple are identical to those of a heterosexual couples in seeking
marriage. We have supported civil partnerships in religious premises and we
will work with Government to see that a workable system for equal marriage is introduced.”
11 December 2012
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