Methodists in Britain have voted 254:46 to allow same-sex marriage in church, a larger majority in favour than people were expecting. In the aftermath, church members are said to be bewildered, ecstatic or sad, as church leaders urge them to stay together despite their differences. For traditionalists, same sex marriage has proved a lightning rod as they consider their future within the church. In this Religion Media Centre briefing, our executive chair of trustees Michael Wakelin hosted the conversation with guests:
- Rev Sonia Hicks, president of the Methodist Conference
- Rev Sam McBratney, Research and Partnerships Officer at Susanna Wesley Foundation, Southlands College, Roehampton University
- Rev Ashley Cooper, Principal Cliff College
- Rev Dr David Hull, chair Methodist Evangelicals Together
- Rachel Lampard, former vice president
- Phoebe Parkin, Methodist youth president
- Rev Dr Rob Vaughn, Lead Pastor at Community of Faith United Methodist Church USA
- Dave Nukols, lay minister in the US
To join RMC briefings email [email protected]
Report: The Methodists’ same-sex marriage vote was conclusive. So why is it dividing the church?
“We’re stronger for the gospel together if we can find a way of living with difference, because we disagree on all kinds of things. Why is this the one that we’re going to split over?”
– Rev Ashley Cooper
FULL BRIEFING YOUTUBE VIDEO
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