Sark Chapel welcomes same-sex marriage

Thursday 06 January 2022

The Methodist church in Sark has decided to welcome same-sex marriage, after a national decision gave ministers the opportunity to choose whether to hold ceremonies in their buildings.

In June last year the Methodist Church of Great Britain decided at a conference that ministers and churches should be granted the option to choose whether to conduct same-sex marriages.

“[The] conference in late summer recognised that there are people with differing views from the church and a decision was made to allow individual ministers and individual churches to decide whether or not they would like to celebrate same-sex marriages in their buildings,” said the Minister of Sark, Reverend David Stolton.

The Methodist’s definition of marriage hasn’t changed, it has simply been added to. Marriage can now also be defined as a ceremony between two people, not necessarily a man and a woman.

“The Methodist Church has for a number of years been discussing and debating this issue, seeking feedback from individual churches and organisations,” said Revd. Stolton.

“Not just looking at same-sex marriage but looking at relationships as a whole in modern day society; how we regard modern relationships, how we can be inclusive of relationships and be loving within that.”

Following decisions at Methodist Conference and with the agreement of our Church Council and Minister, same-sex marriages may now take place at Sark Chapel and other non-religious venues @Sark_Island We welcome this equality whilst respecting and loving those with other views. pic.twitter.com/mzVGFlqtuQ

— SarkChurches (@SarkChurches) January 5, 2022

Pictured: The Sark chapel is now open for same-sex marriage.

The decisions on same-sex marriage are still ongoing in the Anglican church, but each Methodist church and their council have now held meetings to decide their stance.

“Our church council meeting had a good balanced discussion and I’m very pleased to say came out to say that they would allow same-sex marriage within the chapel,” said Revd. Stolton.

“What is important is that we are inclusive and loving of all and therefore I’m very happy that we can include same-sex couples in marriage ceremonies here in Sark.”

Additionally, the ministers themselves can now conduct religious same-sex marriages outside of their church if they choose to do so.

“As a minister I’m happy to conduct religious same-sex marriages,” concluded Revd. Stolton.

Pictured: Methodist ministers as religious celebrants can conduct marriages wherever they wish.

There are several Methodist churches in the Bailiwick and not all have made the decision to allow same-sex marriage.

However, the Superintendent of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Circuit, Reverend Hower Stringer, said many have.

“If anyone is seriously interested in having a same-sex marriage then they should contact the greffe, which has the details of all the churches and ministers who are willing and able.””