LGBTQ Rights: Church Of England Won't Support Same-Sex Marriage, Twitter Users React

The Church of England faced a wave of online backlash after it said it would not allow same-sex couples to marry in its churches.

On Wednesday, the church said it would welcome same-sex couples to receive blessings for their civil marriage or partnership first the first time. The decision comes after six years of debate and consultation to establish its beliefs on sexuality.

"Under the proposals, same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church," the statement read.

"The formal teaching of the Church of England as set out in the canons and authorized liturgies — that Holy Matrimony is between one man and one woman for life — would not change."

Although they will not be able to marry under the new plan, the church will also offer same-sex couples services for prayers of dedication and Thanksgiving.

The Bishops of the Church of England will also issue an apology to the LGBTQI+ community later in the week for the "rejection, exclusion, and hostility" they encountered in churches and how it has affected their lives.

Shortly after the Church of England announced its "historic plans," outraged individuals and advocacy groups took to Twitter to voice their disappointment and frustrations over the church's refusal to support same-sex marriages.

"It's sad that Church of England bishops have refused to back a change in teaching to allow priests to marry same-sex couples. Kind of runs against the whole spirit of Christianity," one person wrote.

We are really disappointed to see Church of England bishops vote down proposals to allow same-sex marriage. This is a kick in the teeth for LGBTQ+ Christians who deserve for their love to be recognised and respected within their faith community.https://t.co/5kbZ6MF8rk
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) January 18, 2023

You have to laugh really@churchofengland “will be issuing an apology later this week to LGBTQI+ people for the “rejection, exclusion and hostility” they have faced in churches and the impact this has had on their lives”

whilst still excluding them from marriage. Not an apology
— M🐶TTY (@thatmattyh) January 18, 2023

I am in my mid-thirties and am often told by friends that they have no interest in attending church services, because the Church of England seems institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic. The House of Bishops’ rejection of same-sex marriage reinforces this viewpoint.
— Philip Baldwin (@philipcbaldwin) January 18, 2023

Just heard on the radio that the Church of England won’t be marrying same sex couples any time soon. Just another reminder that religious institutions tend to be a drag on progress in human rights and moral advancement in society.
— Prof Alice Roberts💙 (@theAliceRoberts) January 18, 2023

Dear @churchofengland there are more fabulous places to get married than your hell pits of misery. Queer people deserve better than your churches to be honest. To me it seems you are getting more irrelevant by the day. @JustinWelby It’s sad you still allow bigotry in 2023.
— Daniel Lismore (@daniellismore) January 18, 2023

Once again Church of England bishops (men who like to wear frocks n hats in public) are refusing to accept same-sex marriage, opting for what it calls a ‘traditional’ view. The patriarchy has a long ‘tradition of suppression and exploitation. That’s no reason to uphold any of it
— JEANETTE WINTERSON (@Wintersonworld) January 18, 2023

The Student Christian Movement in Britain, and especially its LGBTQ+ Anglican members, express deep disappointment at the news that Church of England bishops have not recommended the Church adopt marriage equality for all.
— Student Christian Movement (@SCM_Britain) January 18, 2023

Another person suggested the church adopt a new perspective before it loses worshippers. "Shame on @ChurchOfEnglandwho still choose to discriminate against same-sex couples who simply want to get married in the Anglican Church," the individual tweeted.

"No wonder your congregations, along with other prejudicial religions are dwindling. Change your ways or you'll be irrelevant. #GayMarriage."

In the statement released on Wednesday, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, acknowledged that the new proposals could receive mixed reactions.

"This response reflects the diversity of views in the Church of England on questions of sexuality, relationships, and marriage – I rejoice in that diversity, and I welcome this way of reflecting it in the life of our church," Welby said.

"I am under no illusions that what we are proposing today will appear to go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others, but it is my hope that what we have agreed will be received in a spirit of generosity, seeking the common good."

The proposals are expected to be outlined in a report to the church's legislative body, the General Synod, which is scheduled to meet next month in London.