Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Brighton proudly hosted its first same-sex marriage on Saturday, October 7.
Dariusz Plata and Ben Parrish walked down the aisle after a national vote to allow same sex couples to wed.
Ben, who has been with partner Dariusz for over four years, said: “We were thrilled to have a Christian ceremony to celebrate our marriage, that reflects our beliefs. It was fabulous from start to finish; we couldn’t be happier.”
Dariusz added: “The day was truly magical and we felt very guided and supported throughout by the Church.”
The Methodist Church in Britain is the largest national Christian denomination to have voted for same-sex marriage. And at a local level, the Dorset Gardens Church Council voted unanimously in favour of taking this step, which includes its consent for services of blessing for same-sex couples who are already married.
The Reverend Andy Lowe, Minister at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, said he was delighted to lead the wedding and hopes the ceremony will show that the church is open and inclusive.
He said: “Marriage in church is a special milestone in life for many and as a church community we are delighted that we are now able to welcome same-sex couples for marriage ceremonies. We hope this sends out a clear message to all in the community that the Methodist church is here for all.
“I would encourage anyone considering marriage or wishing for a blessing to get in touch with us via phone or email or to come to one of our Sunday services where they would receive a warm welcome and could meet our church community and talk to us after the service over a cup of coffee.”
The current membership of the Methodist Church of Britain is 164,000, making it the fourth-largest denomination of Christian churches in the UK.
Campaign group Dignity and Worth, which champions the LGBTQ+ community in the Methodist Church, described the decision as a “momentous step on the road to justice and inclusion”.
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