Church of England priest who carried out ‘gay wedding’ escapes censure

The Rev Martin Dudley caused outrage when he held a marriage ceremony complete with traditional vows and the exchange of rings for two homosexual priests.

His actions were condemned by both Archbishops who said they caused “great concern” while one of the men he blessed resigned his clergy licence in the furore.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, also warned Dr Dudley that the ceremony he carried out in the 12th century St Bartholomew-the-Great, which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral, may have caused him to have broken his oath of obedience.

An investigation into the ceremony in May was launched by a senior clerical lawyer that could have seen the rector lose his job if he were found guilty of serious misconduct.

Dr Dudley initially said he had no regrets but he has since written a letter apologising for what he did and promised not to do it again, and will not now be disciplined.

He said that he accepts the ceremony was “inconsistent” with church rules and that he should have given “far greater weight” to guidelines stating priests cannot bless same-sex unions in church.

Dr Dudley wrote: “I regret the embarrassment caused to you by this event and by its subsequent portrayal in the media.”

Church of England priest who carried out ‘gay wedding’ escapes censure
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom