It’s expected LGBTI people will come from all over the UK to get married in a church
A Scottish cathedral has become the first Anglican church in the country to offer weddings for same-sex couples.
As of today (20 July), St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow is now taking bookings from same-sex couples following a decision earlier this year in the Scottish Episcopal Church’s General Synod.
Very Rev Kelvin Holdsworth told Gay Star News: ‘I’m a gay priest and we march in Pride every year.
‘St Mary’s was one of the first places to campaign for same-sex marriages in the church in Scotland,’ he said.
Speaking after the decision, he said: ‘It is hugely exciting to open up wedding services to all couples who want to get married.
‘People at St Mary’s were part of the campaign to allow gay and lesbian couples to get married in Scotland so it is not surprising that we would want to be able to offer such weddings in the cathedral itself.
‘St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow is one of the most stunning places that anyone can get married. It is wonderful that more people now have the chance of coming here for their special day.
‘I want to live in a world where same-sex couples can feel safe walking down the street hand-in-hand and in which they can feel joy walking hand-in-hand down the aisle of a church too,’ he said.
For almost 10 years, St Mary’s Church was actively campaigning for same-sex weddings. The Scottish cathedral has also unofficially blessed civil partnerships since 2008.
Historic first for same-sex weddings in the church
It is expected people will come from other parts of the UK to get married in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
‘We already have one booking from a couple coming up from England who can’t get married in their local Church of England parish.
‘We are glad to be able to welcome them and expect there will be many others who will follow them,’ he said.
Rev. Holdsworth revealed the first same-sex wedding will take place at the end of Summer, but the couple wants to keep it private.
If you want to get in touch for a same-sex wedding, contact the Scottish cathedral.
