THE CHURCH in Wales had to reiterate on Tuesday that it had not authorised same-sex unions. The statement came after news broke that the Revd Jim Cotter had blessed a civil partnership between two women at St Hywyn’s, Aberdaron, in North Wales on 12 July.
The couple live in Yorkshire, but have a holiday home in Wales. Mr Cotter, an author and a former director of the St Albans’ Ministerial Training Scheme, is himself gay, and has long been an advocate for gay couples. He told media in Wales that his church council had supported his decision to bless same-sex partnerships, but he could not be contacted for further comment on Wednesday.
Mr Cotter has permission to officiate in the diocese of Bangor, where the Bishop, the Rt Revd Anthony Crockett, died earlier this year. Mr Cotter said that he would discuss the issue with the Bishop’s successor when he was appointed.
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, has reprimanded Mr Cotter in a letter. A press statement said: “The Church in Wales regards marriage as the lifelong union between a man and a woman, and this is what is conveyed in its liturgy and recognised in law. The Church in Wales does, however, affirm the value of committed friendships between people of the same sex, and clergy are encouraged to minister sensitively and pastorally to gay and lesbian people.” |
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