The Gay ‘Wedding’ Row in England

Filed Under Gay Marriage, Religion | June 20th, 2008 

While waves of jubilation broke out in North America, (California in particular of course) with the start of legal gay marriages in California, a massive row erupted in England over gay marriage — one particular gay marriage which actually took place last month. Its the stuff of ‘high’ Anglican drama.

Here’s the basic gist of all this drama that has broken out:

A vicar who has been labeled as controversial, The Rev Dr Martin Dudley of St Bartholomew the Great Church has been accused this week of conducting a gay ‘wedding’ at his historic church last month. To make things even more interesting, the gay couple in question were two gay Anglican clergymen. And to make it even more interesting, the men, Reverend Peter Cowell and the Reverend Dr David Lord were actually already civil partners.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu say that there is an investigation underway. And the priest who performed the ceremony? No regrets.

A few of the headlines:

- From the BBC: Anger at Anglican gay ‘wedding’

- BBC: Archbishops regret gay ‘wedding’

- BBC Video: Rev. Martin Dudley Has No Regrets

- The Telegraph: Controversial vicar investigated after Anglican church’s first gay ‘wedding’

- The Telegraph: Gay ‘wedding’ row reveals Church’s true source of conflict

Related Links:

- The Church of England
- St Bartholomew the Great Church in London
(BTW: One of my favorite movies, Four Weddings and a Funeral was shot here.)