
At the meeting of the Church of England’s General Synod in November 2023, a motion was passed which allowed “A selection of readings and prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples” to be used in Church of England services for the first time. The resources produced from this are entitled ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’.
The Prayers of Love and Faith are to be used to pray with and for a same-sex couple who love one another and who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God. They include prayers of dedication and thanksgiving; prayers for guidance, for companionship, for God’s blessing, and for the couple’s home and families.
Rev Matt, Rev Alice and the PCC have been carefully considering how we, as a church, would like to engage with these resources which are entirely optional for each parish church.
I am really pleased to say that at the meeting on the 24th January 2024, the PCC voted unanimously to adopt these recommendations and to offer this resource to our community. We believe that St Peter’s is a church for everyone, and a place where all should feel welcome. This decision helps us move closer towards that.
If you would like to explore the idea of using the Prayers of Love and Faith to bless your relationship, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our ministers or the Parish Office. You are welcome here.
You can read the Prayers of Love and Faith here.