Anglican Church of Wales approves rite for blessing same-sex couples
The governing body of the Church in Wales has approved a permanent rite for blessing same-sex unions – the decision has already been criticized by orthodox Anglicans, and an outflow of believers is expected.
On April 16, 2026, the Church in Wales Governing Body has voted to make same-sex blessings permanent following a five-year trial period in which they were allowed on a temporary basis. The vote during a meeting in Llandudno on Thursday is likely to lead some Welsh Anglicans to leave the Church or seek alternative episcopal oversight.
The rite has been included in the Book of Common Prayer – the main liturgical collection of Anglicans. Adoption required at least two-thirds of votes in each of the three houses: bishops, clergy, and laity. All five bishops supported the document unanimously. In the house of clergy, 32 people voted "for," 7 against, and another five abstained. Among the laity – 48 votes "for" with 8 against and 2 abstentions.
The adopted measure allows only the blessing of couples already in same-sex marriage or civil partnership, but does not give clergy the right to perform the wedding ceremonies themselves. However, by April 2027, new proposals are being prepared that may permit this as well.
Simultaneously, amendments to Thursday's measure were approved to protect clergy, ordinands and lay Anglicans who cannot in conscience take part in such services of blessing.
The amendments were put forward by Andy Kitchen, a member of the clergy in St Asaph Diocese, who said they were intended to safeguard the principle of conscientious objection.
A number of amendments put forward by Della Nelson to remove marriage-like language, including the word 'covenant', from the Order of Service was rejected.
Archbishop Cherry Vann, who heads the Church of Wales and is in a same-sex relationship, welcomed the outcome, saying, “I want to thank everyone for the ways in which this debate was conducted – calmly, and with mutual respect." She acknowledged that on this issue "people hold strong convictions" and emphasized the desire "to build a church that can make space for each other whatever our different perspectives."
The decision drew criticism from Anglican Futures, an organization uniting evangelical Anglicans. They warned that "fractures in the Anglican Communion will further deepen" with the passing of this motion. "Both the detail of the Bill that has passed and the way in which it has been introduced speaks volumes and it is impossible to draw any other conclusion than that only some 'differences' are worthy of value and honour in the Church in Wales, only some are worthy of 'inclusion'," Anglican Futures said. The organization also noted that some believers have already left the Church of Wales and joined the Anglican Convocation of Europe "so that their flock may feed in safe pastures."
Matthew Firth, an Assistant Bishop in the Free Church of England, said that evangelical Anglicans in Wales will be "devastated today by this departure from the faith and will be looking for biblical alternative episcopal oversight". He promised that his "door is always open to clergy, congregations, and ordinands."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Finnish Church under the jurisdiction of Phanar supported LGBT rights.
