A reverend in Chalfont St Giles has decided to leave the Church of England (CofE) following a vote at the General Synod that will allow priests to bless civil marriages of same-sex couples.
The rector at Chalfont St Giles Parish Church (CSGPC) Reverend Dan Beesley, who runs a YouTube channel describing his work as a vicar, made the announcement in a video uploaded on Friday, March 24.
This comes after a vote by the national assembly of the CofE in February which means that from July, at an individual priest’s discretion, same-sex couples will be able to come to a church after their civil marriage or partnership and give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God, and receive God’s blessing.
Rev Beesley did add that he wouldn’t be leaving his position in the clergy effective immediately, as he only started last year. Rather, when his time to move on from the position comes, he will leave the CofE organisation.
In the video, Rev Beesley says: “We’re going to have this divide. If God wants me to go to a church which does do same-sex blessings, I cannot as a matter of consciousness do that.”
CSGPC has been contacted for comment.
Photo credit: Rev Dan on YouTube
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