The Church of England should back gay marriage, 'keep up' with society, education secretary says

The UK's Education Secretary has said the Church of England should 'keep up' with modern attitudes in society and allow gay marriage in its churches.

Education Secretary Justine Greening arrives in Downing Street for a cabinet meeting Reuters

Same-sex marriage remains illegal under the Church of England's canon law, though the Church remains divided on its future direction.

Justine Greening, the British Education Secretary since 2016, told Sky News yesterday: 'I think it is important that the church in a way keeps up and is part of a modern country,' according to The Telegraph

'I wouldn't prescribe to them how they should deal with that but I do think we are living in a country where people broadly recognise that attitudes are in a different place now to where they were many, many years ago.

'We have allowed same sex marriage, that is a massive step forward for the better and for me, I think people do want to see our major faiths keep with modern attitudes in our country.'

Last week British Prime Minister Theresa May suggested the Church of England 'reflect' on the possibility of blessing gay marriage.

Greening also today announced government plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act, making the process of gender reassignment for transgender persons quicker and easier, and no longer requiring applicants to be officially diagnosed with gender dysphoria first.

'This government is committed to building an inclusive society that works for everyone, no matter what their gender or sexuality and today we're taking the next step forward,' said Greening said, according to i News.

News
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”. 

CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017
CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017

The Church of England is happy with the progress being made by strategic mission and ministry investments.