Thursday, June 12, 2014

Danish Churches to Perform Same-Sex Marriages; Some Priests Can Refuse to Wed Gays,Others Will

The nation of Denmark has voted to force churches in the established Evangelical Lutheran Church to perform same-sex "marriage" ceremonies inside their sanctuaries, although one-third of all the denomination's priests say they will not participate in such rituals, The New American website reports today (June 12, 2014).

The Danish parliament voted by an overwhelming 85-24 margin to compel churches to carry out unions for same-sex couples that are identical to heterosexual marriage celebrations.

The new law takes effect June 15, 2014. Since 1997, homosexuals have been able to get "married" in a blessing ceremony after the normal church service.

Under the new law, priests may opt out of performing the "wedding" service for theological reasons. However, a bishop must arrange for a replacement.

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