In what has gotten tongues wagging especially among Christians, the world’s oldest Methodist building has unanimously voted to permit same-sex marriage ceremonies.
It’s imperative to note that the New Room was founded in 1739 as a space for Methodists to meet by evangelist and founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley.
According to reports, since inception, John Wesley’s New Room has served as a multi-purpose building for the local community – including housing a museum.
In a latest development, the chapel in Broadmead has publicly disclosed that it will begin officiating same-sex weddings to coincide with Bristol Pride.
It could be recalled that the Methodist church in 2021, became the second-largest religious denomination in the UK to allow same-sex marriages after voting in its favour.
Local reports have it that the motion required a change to the definition of marriage to be “a lifelong union in body, mind and spirit of two people who freely enter it”.
Harping on the development, Reverend Mandy Briggs, the chapel’s education officer and responsible authorised person said: “This decision to register John Wesley’s New Room as a venue for same-sex marriages is the latest step in our journey of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“The chapel has been a venue for services organised by Christians at Bristol Pride since 2018 and so this registration feels like the natural next step.”
As part of ways to mark 2022’s celebrations, the church is also holding a rainbow service for LGBTQ+ Christians to allow them to “celebrate Pride through their faith.”
It should be noted that same-sex marriages are not currently allowed by the Church of England.
