Catherine Bond and Jane Pearce, both associate priests in the parish of St John the Baptist Church in Felixstowe, Suffolk, have become one of the first same-sex couples to receive a blessing at an Anglican Church of England service.
The couple celebrated their “love and friendship” and “commitment to one another” in a liturgy that included prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and God’s blessing.
The blessing was part of a series of events organized by the Church of England to mark its 40th anniversary since it began ordaining women as priests. The events aimed to show the Church’s openness and inclusiveness towards people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
The Church of England has been gradually changing its stance on same-sex relationships over the years.
In 2013, it issued guidelines for clergy to bless same-sex couples who had entered into civil partnerships.
In 2020, it approved a motion that allowed same-sex couples to go to Anglican churches after a legal marriage ceremony for services including prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and God’s blessing.
In 2021, it published draft prayers for such services.
The blessing ceremony in Felixstowe was attended by about 100 people, including parishioners, friends and family members of the couple. The couple said they were delighted and grateful for the support they received from their community and from the Church.
“We are very happy that we could share this special day with our loved ones,” said Catherine Bond. “We feel blessed by God’s grace and love in our lives.”
Jane Pearce added: “We are very thankful for the Church’s welcome and affirmation of our relationship. We hope that our example will inspire others who are seeking God’s blessing.”
By Salam Bustanji
