The Methodists’ same-sex marriage vote was conclusive. So why is it dividing the church?

Methodists in Britain have voted 254:46 to allow same-sex marriage in church, a larger majority in favour than people were expecting. In the aftermath, church members are said to be bewildered, ecstatic or sad, as church leaders urge them to stay together despite their differences. For traditionalists, same sex marriage has proved a lightning rod as they consider their future within the church. In this Religion Media Centre briefing, Michael Wakelin hosted the conversation with the Rev Sonia Hicks, president of the Methodist Conference; Rev Sam McBratney, Research and Partnerships Officer at Susanna Wesley Foundation, Southlands College, Roehampton University; Rev Ashley Cooper, Principal Cliff College; Rev Dr David Hull, chair Methodist Evangelicals Together; Rachel Lampard, former vice president; and Phoebe Parkin, Methodist youth president. From the United States, the Rev Dr Rob Vaughn and Dave Nukols joined the discussion.

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