Blessing Same-Sex Couples (Update)

After a period of consultation, discussion and discernment, Haverhill PCC recently voted in favour of resolutions permitting the use of prayers of blessing with unmarried couples in a same- or opposite-sex relationship, at the discretion of the officiating minister and in line with guidance from the House of Bishops.

On Friday 23rd February 2024, Withersfield PCC met and discussed a similar resolution, reflecting on feedback from individuals in the parish and from the benefice-wide discussion. The PCC also voted to permit the use of prayers of blessing under the same conditions as above.

This means that couples who wish to use these prayers are free to speak to us about this in either Haverhill or Withersfield, although at the time of writing there is still no stand-alone service authorised for use.