Archbishop of Wales: Church should acknowledge and support gay civil marriages

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http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/04/18/archbishop-of-wales-church-should-acknowledge-and-support-gay-civil-marriages/



The Archbishop of Wales has said his Church should acknowledge civil marriage equality for gay couples and work against an impression that it is ‘uncaring and unsympathetic’ and leading gay people to feel ‘unwanted, unloved, and sinful’.

According to Wales Online, Dr Morgan told the Church in Wales’ governing body: “All life-long committed relationships deserve the welcome, pastoral care and support of the Church.”

The faithful, he continued, “need to show how the Gospel of Jesus is good news for gay people”.

Dr Barry Morgan, who has been Archbishop for the Anglican communion in Wales since 2003, said in his presidential address today: “The Government’s consultation on civil marriage raises a whole host of theological questions for the church.

“My concern at the moment is that in any discussion which might ensue on this, gay people may once more gain the impression that the church is uncaring and unsympathetic.

“Things could be said in the coming months which I think could seriously damage people pastorally so it is that pastoral issue that I want to address.”