Same Sex Marriage At Southernhay

Exeter church granted power to perform same sex marriage


Southernhay United Reformed Church in Exeter has become the first church in Devon to gain approval to perform civil partnership ceremonies for same sex couples.

Revolutionary Reverend Ian McDonald, the vicar at the Southernhay United Reformed Church, hopes that this will open the doors for other local churches to perform full marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples in the future.

Southernhay United Reform Church

The Reverend said: “the love of two people for one another is to be acknowledged, cherished and celebrated,” adding that his Church is committed to a “policy of openness to all regardless of race, colour, age, gender, identity, sexuality or state of health.”

He has also explained that the choice to hold civil partnerships was an international policy and that the foundation of the United Reformed Church is one which seeks to find and follow the “divine wisdom” Jesus shows in the Bible.

Whilst it was the only Church to apply for the right, it is hoped that Southernhay will inspire other churches to follow suit.