The Same Sex Marriage and Civil Partnership Working Group

The consultation for Methodists on same sex marriage and civil partnerships has now closed. 

Susan Howdle Chair of the working group

Background to the consultation

The Methodist Conference in July 2013 set up a working group

"to consider whether the Methodist Church's position on marriage needs revising in light of changes in society, undertaking this consideration with reference to scripture, tradition, reason and experience. The terms of reference would be:

a. To consider the implications for the Methodist Church of a change in legislation covering same-sex marriage;

b. To consider whether the Methodist Church's position on marriage needs revising in the light of changes in society;

c. To undertake the work directed by the reply to Memorial 29(2012) [a Memorial from the Birmingham Synod seeking for a review of the Conference's ruling that blessing of civil partnerships should not take place on Methodist premises]

d. To make recommendations for any changes in practice or polity."

The working group identified a range of possible areas for consideration.  It tested out by wide consultation whether these are indeed the issues about which it should make recommendations to the Conference of 2014 that they be explored more fully.

If you have any other questions please contact Sanya Strachan - strachans@methodistchurch.org.uk

Susan Howdle
Chair, the Same Sex Marriage and Civil Partnerships Working Group

Report of the working group to the Methodist Conference 2014

FAQs on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act

Membership of the Working Group