Father Lee Taylor, the first to receive a same-sex blessing from the Church in Wales, has called upon the institution to reconsider its stance on same-sex marriage, warning of an impending “existential crisis” if progress is not made.
In a historic moment in 2021, Father Lee Taylor and his partner Fabiano da Silva Duarte were granted a same-sex blessing by the Church in Wales. This followed a vote by the Church, which operates independently from both the state and the Church of England, to approve a new service for blessing same-sex couples. However, same-sex marriages remain prohibited within the Church.
Speaking on ITV Wales’ Sharp End program, Father Taylor expressed regret for not being allowed a full marriage ceremony at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen, Denbighshire, where he serves. He emphasized that the Church must address the issues of affirming, blessing, and sanctifying same-sex unions to avoid appearing outmoded and contradictory to its message of love, forgiveness, peace, unity, and equality.
Taylor, a proponent of embracing same-sex marriage in the Church, stressed that this move would align with the teachings of Jesus. He acknowledged the concerns of those who fear deviating from scripture but emphasized that, ultimately, it is about love.
The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard, who has symbolically worn her wedding ring on her right hand to signify the inequality perceived in some marriages, expressed hope that the Church would become more welcoming in the future. She believes the Church can adapt, be invitational, and foster a greater sense of welcome.
While the ban on same-sex marriages within the Church of England is unlikely to change before 2025, according to Bishop of London Sarah Mullally, voices within the Church in Wales are growing stronger, calling for greater inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ couples. The question of same-sex marriage remains a pressing issue within religious institutions, reflecting broader societal debates on LGBTQ rights.