Guide Note
Two Anglican priests had their civil partnership blessed in a ceremony at St. Bartholomew the Great Church in London, England, in May 2008. The Bishop of London did not approve the ceremony, and the officiant may face penalties. One half of the couple, David Lord, has since resigned from the clergy.
Fast Facts
- The couple: Peter Cowell and David Lord
- Both parties are Anglican priests
- Officiant: Reverend Martin Dudley, rector, St. Bartholomew the Great Church
- 300 people attended
- Dudley reports at least 20 clergy members in attendance
Controversy
The Church of England has not authorized the blessing of civil partnerships, although several low-key ceremonies have taken place regardless. Conservative clergy in the Anglican church are against gay marriage, and 300 bishops are meeting this week to decide whether to break with the church because it does not condemn homosexuality. Dudley used the marriage liturgy traditionally used for heterosexual couples when officiating over the ceremony for Lord and Cowell, and did so in one of London's most high-profile churches, which many consider to be an inflammatory act.
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