Same-sex Marriage Consultation
The Committee of Ministers is pleased to announce the result of the recent confidential ballot of church members on the question:
Should there be provision within The General Conference of the New Church for same-sex couples to be married?
Of the 310 ballot papers sent to members, 146 were returned, with 142 valid votes.
The result was:
YES – 104 votes (73%)
NO – 30 votes (21%)
NO OPINION – 8 votes (6%)
The Committee of Ministers met on 10 August to consider the result. The outcome will now be presented to Conference Council for consideration and ratification at its meeting on 8 September 2026.
The Committee of Ministers has also begun work on the practical arrangements that would be required for the provision of same-sex marriage within General Conference. This includes considering legal and practical requirements, as well as the process for Ministers and licensed marriage celebrants who at this time, feel called to conduct same-sex marriages. Further work will take place over the coming months as we prayerfully consider how these arrangements can be put into practice.
We are grateful to everyone who participated in the consultation and ballot and for the thoughtful and prayerful way in which members have engaged with this important matter.
We ask for your continued prayers as we move forward together with wisdom, charity and respect for the different perspectives held within our church.
With every blessing,
The Committee of Ministers
Same-Sex Marriage: A summary of the history of this topic to date
Same-Sex Marriage: A summary of the history of this topic to date
Introduction, questions and curiosities (Revd Lynne Griffiths and Revd Christine Bank)
Video – Everybody’s voice is important
Doctrinal issues: Goodness and Truth, Wisdom and Love, Marriage (Revd Jack Dunion, Revd Brian Talbot and Revd Bruce Jarvis)
• Summary Document – Same Sex Marriage
• Casting over the right side of the boat
History and change in the church (Revd Becky Jarratt, Revd Mary Duckworth, Revd Clifford Curry and Revd Helen Brown)
Video – Same Sex Marriage – Change in Our Church
Video – Same Sex – Marriage – Change in Our Church (Shorter Version)
Femininity, masculinity, biological sex, and gender (Revd Michael Stanley)
Femininity, masculinity, biological sex, and gender
Sex and Gender, Saturday 9th May, 10am to 4pm at Wellspring House, Manchester.
Join Revd Michael Stanley for this workshop, which will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge of current developments in biological science on these matters – as well as a spiritual perspective. There will be participation in discussions, and exploration of social and moral as well as theological and political implications and controversies. For further information and to book a place visit www.swedenborg-openlearning.org.uk/sex-and-gender