Church in Wales’ Governing Body to meet Sept. 18-19, discuss same-sex relationships
[Church in Wales] The twice-yearly Governing Body of the Church in Wales will meet this month to discuss a range of issues, including blessing of same-sex relationships and the Middle East conflict.
The two-day meeting at the International Conference Centre in Newport Sept. 18-19 will bring together up to 144 elected clergy and lay people from across Wales, representing all the church’s six dioceses, and all diocesan bishops.
The agenda will include a keynote address by the new archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev. Cherry Vann, as president of the Governing Body. Cherry was elected as the 15th archbishop of Wales on July 30.
The archbishop also will lead a general discussion about the culture of the Church in Wales.
Another major element of the meeting will be a discussion on same-sex relationships. The Church in Wales currently allows for the blessing of same-sex civil marriages and civil partnerships in its churches, a provision authorized by the Governing Body in September 2021 for an experimental five-year period, which is set to expire in September 2026.
The church is currently in a period of discernment to determine the future of this provision, with potential paths forward including allowing the provision to expire, extending the authorization of the current services of blessing or introducing formal same-sex marriage services. Decisions on this rest with the Governing Body, which requires a two-thirds majority in all three orders – bishops, clergy and laity – to implement changes.
At the meeting on Sept. 19, in a process led by Llandaff Bishop Mary Stallard, members will be asked to share their views on the proposals. These views will then be considered in October by the Bench of Bishops, as they decide whether to bring forward formal proposals to a future Governing Body.
The Very Rev. Ian Black, dean of Newport, will give a presentation on a new online Lent course for 2026, entitled “From Pancakes to Palm Crosses.”
A discussion and vote will also be held on a new code of conduct to be added to the terms of service for clergy and licensed ministers.
Against the backdrop of continuing conflict in the Middle East, the Governing Body will be addressed by Jamie Eyre, CEO of the Christian development charity Embrace the Middle East.
The meeting will also be live-streamed via a link on the Church in Wales website and YouTube channel.
