The Church of England is to consider whether to offer blessing ceremonies to same-sex couples.
One of the five cathedrals singled out for the Reformation challenge was Hereford, whose bishop, Richard Frith, has succeeded in putting before the General Synod a motion for “guidance on materials to be used in affirming and praying with same-sex couples.”
The General Synod will debate services of “prayer and dedication” for couples who are married or in a civil partnership.
The proposal suggests parishes should be able to opt out, but conservative evangelical group Reform said it “represents a fundamental departure” from the Bible’s teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman.