After the vote at the conference, Rev Sonia Hicks said: The debate today and our wider conversation has been conducted with grace and mutual respect. As we move forward together after this historic day for our Church, we must remember to continue to hold each other in prayer, and to support each other respecting our differences.
What does this mean for same-sex couples? First off, the churches must apply for permission from the Methodist Church’s governing body to have same-sex marriages and this can be done once the Conference has notified the General Register Office of their decision to allow same-sex marriages. Churches will be able to apply from September 1 this year, with confirmation of dates announced as soon as terms have been agreed.