Gay priest facing backlash over plans to hold commitment ceremony in church
A Leicester priest is facing opposition to his plan to hold his same-sex commitment ceremony in church.
Reverend Dominic McClean, who has already entered into a civil partnership with his partner, is attempting to hold a ‘thanksgiving’ ceremony in St Peter’s Church in Market Bosworth.
However, according to the Leicester Mercury, some parishioners have objected to the church being used – claiming that it contravenes a Church of England ban on same-sex blessings and weddings.
Aubrey Chalmers of Shackerstone said: “This ceremony amounts to a gay wedding and should not be being carried out at this church.
“As far as I am concerned, and there a lot of fellow parishioners in this benefice who agree with me, this flies in the face of the official policy of the Church of England who do not bless gay marriages.
“This should not be allowed to happen in this church. It is not right and parishioners are staying away from churches in the benefice because of this.”
However, Reverend McClean denies that the ceremony and It is not a blessing. It is not a gay wedding.
“We have entered into a civil partnership and it is a service of thanksgiving and commitment.
“It is quite legitimate for me to have this service at St Peter’s. It is in the context of a thanksgiving and to celebrate with family and friends.”
He added: “I have spoken to the Bishop of Leicester about this matter but it was private conversation and I will not reveal what he said.”
