Justin Welby Stands By Church’s Opposition To Gay Marriage

Justin Welby, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, has stated he is standing by the Church of England’s opposition to gay marriage.

Welby became head of the CoE yesterday in a legal ceremony which was held at St Paul’s Cathedral. The ceremony was presided over by John Sentamu the Archbishop of York with the bishops of London, Lincoln, Norwich, Winchester and Rochester amongst those in attendance. The ceremony officially terminated his role as Bishop of Durham and makes him the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury although his enthronement will take place, in an elaborate ceremony, in March.

Speaking after the ceremony the Most Reverend Justin Welby re-stated his opposition, and the CoE’s opposition, to gay marriage. BBC News quotes Mr. Welby as saying “I stand, as I have always stood over the last few months, with the statement I made at the announcement of my appointment, which is that I support the Church of England’s position on this. We have made many statements about this and I stick with that”

The Church’s opposition to gay marriage has caused the religious institution to come under increased fire from critics. It’s opposition comes despite other religious groups such as Quakers, Liberal Jews and Pagans openly welcoming the government’s proposals. However, the CoE does stand inline with the Catholic Church in its opposition.

Today MPs in the House of Commons will vote on the issue of gay marriage. Read more about the vote here >>