Manx church to apply to be first to offer same-sex marriages

A licence to perform same-sex marriages could be granted to the church in weeks

A Methodist church in Douglas could become the first to offer same-sex marriages in the Isle of Man after applying for a licence to do so.

Trinity Methodist Church's council have unanimously agreed to apply for the right to hold the marriage ceremonies.

It follows a 2021 decision to accept the principle by the governing body of the Methodist Church.

Reverend Dr Janet Corlett said it was "symbolic" as it told residents from the LGBTQ+ community "you're welcome".

While the church "may not be inundated" with people who wanted to get married, there had been "overwhelming support" from the Manx public, she said.

In 1993, the Methodist Church recognised the participation and ministry of gay people in the church.

A 2019 report then proposed marriage could be defined as "an exclusive relationship of life-long intention between any two people".

The church in Douglas has a congregation of about 80 people

The decision to accept the principle of same-sex marriages followed in 2021, allowing any Methodist Church, whose congregation wanted to, begin the process of registering the building for the ceremonies.

Following discussions with the congregation, the Trinity Methodist Church Council unanimously agreed to apply for registration at a meeting on 2 November.

Chairman of the district Rev Corlett said the response from members of the church had been "hugely positive" and, while there were people within the Christian faith that "do not think it is acceptable, we'll agree to disagree" politely.

The process was likely to take "weeks not months" once the paperwork, which includes a form bearing signatures of 20 congregation members, has been submitted to the civil registry, she said.

Methodist equality, diversity and inclusion officer Pam Gold said the move was a "big step forward in making our churches more inclusive" especially for the LGBTQ+ community who have "felt excluded" historically.

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