BRITAIN: Same-sex couples who "marry" in the UK's new civil partnership ceremonies will not be able to receive a Christian service of blessing, the Church of England said yesterday.
Guidelines drawn up ahead of the introduction of new laws later this year raise concerns that the procedure, which offers a legal status to gay couples, may act to "erode the unique position" of marriage.
In a statement, the House of Bishops confirmed that gay clergy who intend to enter a civil partnership will be expected to consult first with their bishop and also offer assurances that they will remain chaste.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, who led a working party to set out the new position, confirmed that those who break that promise are likely to be the subject of disciplinary action.
A statement published yesterday disputes any claims that the partnerships equate to traditional marriage. It reads: "There has been support for the remedying of particular, long-standing injustices for those who have for too long been the victims of discrimination and prejudice.
"At the same time there are concerns that the introduction of civil partnerships in this form may create fresh anomalies and in practice - even though not in law - erode the unique position which marriage has previously occupied."
Mr James said he was concerned that public perception will be that gay marriage is legal and that there will also be an assumption that any clergy who enter into such a union will be involved in sexual relationships.
"For Christians, marriage - that is the lifelong union between a man and a woman - remains the proper context for sexual activity," the statement adds.
"In its approach to civil partnerships the Church will continue to uphold that standard, to affirm the value of committed, sexually abstinent friendships between people of the same sex and to minister ... to those Christians who conscientiously decide to order their lives differently."
The guidelines state that those entering civil partnerships should be dealt with "pastorally and sensitively", but that clergy "should not provide services of blessing".
Publication of the guidelines follows deep division in the worldwide Anglican communion over gay clergy, with the ordination of gay bishops threatening to prompt a permanent split between conservative and liberal factions.
The statement warns clergy contemplating a civil partnership "to weigh carefully the perceptions and assumptions which would inevitably accompany a decision to register such a relationship".
The Rev Richard Kirker, general secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, accused the Church of England of showing "contempt" for gay partnerships.
"This statement is perfectly consistent with the Church of England's policy of double dealing, duplicity and disregard for decency," he said.
"At a time when lesbian and gay people, let alone lesbian and gay Christians, are looking to the Church to affirm their families and to help build stability and provide a safe space for them, the Church spits in their face," he said.