The Church in Wales is preparing to reconsider its stance on same-sex blessings.

In 2021, a "service of blessing" for gay couples was introduced on an experimental basis, but the decision is set to expire in September 2026.

While same-sex marriage is still not permitted in the Church in Wales, this was viewed as a “compromise” for those who believed the union should be accepted within the denomination. Clergy were left to decide individually whether to participate in these services.

The Archbishop of Wales has now called for prayer and open discussion as the Church decides its next steps. In a letter to church leaders and congregations, the Most Rev Andrew John urged members to approach the issue with “prayerful and honest discernment.”

To facilitate this, a series of meetings have been organised across the nation, giving clergy and congregants the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“We believe there is wisdom in this approach, allowing different voices to be expressed and heard without comment or censure. We don’t expect these voices to be pilloried or applauded. Our task is to listen to one another and seek, as best we can, the wisdom of God in our conversations,” he added.

The options under consideration include allowing the provision to lapse, extending the current blessings, or taking the significant step of introducing a formal service of marriage for same-sex couples.

“My invitation to you all is to participate,” he continued. “Whatever reflection these meetings might offer, and whatever decision the Governing Body may make, it is our respectful engagement with each other, Scripture, and tradition that we must now give ourselves to.”

The Scottish Episcopal Church became the first Anglican church in the UK to allow same-sex marriages in 2017. The Quakers in Britain, the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, and the United Reformed Church are the other Christian denominations in the UK that permit same-sex marriages.