WELCOME FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.                       

Ephesians 3: 17-19

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On Monday 9 October 2023 the House of Bishops confirmed that prayers to be used in ordinary church services to affirm relationships between same sex couples would be commended for use.  Please note that currently standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples are not permitted by the Church of England. However, the prayers to affirm same-sex relationships can take place during our normal services (see Church service diary for details of this).

 

The majority of the 108 bishops in the Church of England supported these proposals. ​We are a church which affirms all healthy, life-giving relationships. We will continue to proclaim the liberating gospel of Jesus who came to set people free from fear, shame and oppressive religious teaching. While we value upholding the unity of the Church of England, we refuse to do so at the expense of causing harm to LGBTQIA+ individuals.

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We will continue to welcome all and deepen our love for God and love for each other. There is a place for you, whoever you are and whatever your journey, at All Saints.

The prayers were commended for use from the 17th December 2023. If you would like to have these prayers said for you at one of our services, midweek or on Sundays, please contact us; we would be delighted to be part of this special step in your relationship.