In June 2021, the Methodist Conference passed a motion which gave consent, in principle, to the marriage of same-sex couples on Methodist premises. The Conference decision followed consideration of a report on marriage and relationships, ‘God in Love Unites Us’, presented to the Conference in 2019.
Following the Conference decision, a Special Church Council meeting of Shildon Methodist Church decided that the Church would apply to register for the solemnization of same-sex marriages. It was also decided that the Minister for the Church, Reverend David Payne, should be certified as the Authorised Person to be present at the marriages of same-sex couples in our Church.
In March 2022, the Church received confirmation from the General Register Office that Shildon Methodist Church is now registered for the solemnization of marriages of same-sex, as well as heterosexual, couples.
A spokesperson said “As Methodists, we believe all people are equal in God’s eyes, all people are made unique and precious, in the image of God, and all people are included within the gracious love of God, because we are all children of God. Any couple wishing to discuss marriage in our Church are invited to email the Church Office at shildonmethodist2020@hotmail.co.uk.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
