We aim to be a loving and welcoming Christian community:
honouring God in worship, following Christ in our lives and participating in his mission.
Same Sex Couples
Christians hold a variety of views about human relationships and sexuality.
The Church of England is prevented by law from conducting weddings for people of the same sex.
The Bishops have recently drafted prayers for two people who love each other and “who wish to give thanks for and mark that love in faith before God”
Prayers of Love and Faith
Members of our church are themselves in a variety of relationships, including faithful committed partnerships with people of the same sex.
The Vicar of this church is happy to discuss with couples an appropriate way of marking their commitment to each other with prayers like these.
Please contact Revd John Bennett directly.
Prayers for a Same Sex Commitment
Loving and gracious God, who made us in your image and sent your son Jesus Christ to welcome us home; protect us in love and empower us for service. Through the power of the Holy Spirit may N and N become living signs of his love and may we uphold them in the promises that each will make this day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus told us to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind’ and love your neighbour as yourself.’ For the love that we receive and give let us all thank God, saying together….
Almighty God, source of all being, we thank you for your love, which creates and sustains us. We thank you for the physical and emotional expression of that love; and for the blessings of companionship and friendship. We pray that we may use your gifts so that we can ever grow into a deeper understanding of love and of your purpose for us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
BIBLE READING
THE PROMISES
Will you be to each other a companion in joy and a comfort in times of trouble’ and will you give each other opportunity for love to deepen?
Couple: We will, with God’s help.
(to each partner in turn): Will you, N, give yourself to N, sharing your love and your life, your wholeness and your brokenness, your success and your failure?
Partner: I will.
PRAYERS
These might include the following or something similar.
Loving God, whose son Jesus Christ welcomed strangers and called them his friends, grant to N and N such gifts of grace that they may be bearers of your friendship and their home a place of welcome for all. Amen
Jesus, our brother, inspire N and N in their lives together, that they may come to live for one another and serve each other in true humility and kindness. Through their lives may they welcome each other in times of need and in their hearts may they celebrate together in their times of joy, for your name’s sake. Amen
Holy Spirit of God, guard and defend N and N in their life together, protect them from evil, strengthen them in adversity until you bring them to the joy of your heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BLESSING
Let us now pray that N and N may be sustained by God’s love.
Spirit of God, you teach us through the example of Jesus that love is the fulfilment of the Law, help N and N to persevere in love, to grow in mutual understanding, and to deepen their trust in each other; that in wisdom, patience and courage, their life together may be a source of happiness to all with whom they share it; and the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be upon you to guide and protect you and all those you love, today and always. Amen.
