They registered their civil partnership in December, on the first day possible, and went straight from the registry office to St Thomas the Martyr Church to give thanks. Bishop Alan Smithson led the thanksgiving, Bishop David Jenkins preached, and the home team celebrated the Eucharist.
Why did we do it? First to give thanks for a relationship.
That was primary. But also because at St Tom’s we believe this accords with Jesus’ teaching and life-style. The real power of Christian living lies, we feel, not in creeds or doctrines, but in the commending of love as practical politics in the world. Affirming a loving relationship is absolutely central to this.
Kit Widdows, Master of St Thomas the Martyr Church, Newcastle. Kit Widdows is a member of SoF Steering Committee.