Methodists on brink of same sex marriage decision
The Methodist church of Great Britain is to vote this week on whether to allow same sex marriage in church. The vote follows debate at local level on a report “God in Love nites Us”, which admits that opinion is divided, but says modern day relationships are diverse and various and Christians should understand how to live and love appropriately. On 3 July 2019 the Conference voted by 247 votes to 48 in principle to permit same-sex marriages on Methodist premises by Methodist ministers. This Wednesday – 30 June 2021 – it will make its final decision.
CofE Bishop says same sex marriage should be recognised in church
The Bishop of Liverpool, Paul Bayes, has told a conference that the Church of England should recognise same sex marriage and allow ceremonies in church. Such marriages are not recognised at present, but a consultation “Living in Love and Faith” is encouraging discussion among people with opposing views, with the aim of creating understanding and taking a vote next year. The Bishop told the Mosaic campaign group that “the arc of the moral universe keeps on bending towards justice” and people outside the church has found its continuing stand to be offensive, oppressive and hypocritical.
Keir Starmer pledges support for Muslims in Britain
The Labour leader Keir Starmer has written an open letter to Muslims in Britain, reassuring them of his continuing support. It follows a Survation/Labour Muslim Network poll of 504 people, showing Labour support had declined by 11 per cent – though 74 per cent said they still felt favourable towards the party. The poll and response come days before the Batley and Spen by-election, an area with a substantial south Asian population, which has been a safe Labour seat since 1997. Polling figures released ten days ago put the Tories ahead by 6 points.
Jersey citizens jury votes in favour of assisted dying
A citizens’ jury in Jersey has voted to change the law and allow assisted dying. The jury of 23 citizens was set up by the Minister for Health and Social Services to look at the arguments and make recommendations. Its report says 18 of the 23 members voted to permit assisted dying, based on circumstances and with safeguards. As a crown dependency, Jersey is able to legislate on assisted dying separately from the UK. A private member’s bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales was read in the Lords for the first time last month, while a similar bill was launched in Scotland on Tuesday.
Methodist church has its first black woman president
The Rev Sonia Hicks has become the first black woman president of the Methodist church in Great Britain. In her inaugural speech, she spoke about her family’s experience of racism and marginalisation in the church and said: ”We can and should be better at making God’s love a reality in the British Methodist Church, overcoming the systemic discrimination that exists”.
Vicar says abolish the title “Rev”
A vicar in Yeovil is asking the Church of England’s parliament to abolish the title “Rev” in order to break down the notion of deference. The Rev James Dudley Smith refers to the IICSA report on child sex abuse where it was suggested that “issues of clericalism and deference have allowed abuse to be covered up and the voices of the vulnerable to be silenced”. But his private members motion has no chance of being discussed because it has only gathered 15 signatures in support – plus attention by the Guardian and the Mail
