One of the UK's oldest Christian denominations - the Quakers - looks set to extend marriage services to same-sex couples at their yearly meeting later. The society has already held religious blessings for same-sex couples who have had a civil partnership ceremony. But agreeing to perform gay marriages, which are currently not allowed under civil law, could bring the Quakers into conflict with the government. The issue of active homosexuality has bitterly divided Churches. But the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott said the Quakers had been more prepared than other groups to reinterpret the Bible in the light of contemporary life.
from the BBC
Apparently this BBC news clip was released before Britain Yearly meeting had come to any final conclusions - thus the tense of the article. However, a minute was agreed upon, and the result is that same-sex marriage will be performed in Quaker services. American Quakers are all over the place on this issue - I see us as clearly divided and I often wonder how we will resolve this without a major split. As I head to our own New England Yearly Meeting, I am thrilled with this news of Britain's decision. Hooray!
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