Welsh Theologian Blasts Church in Wales Blessings of Same-Sex Marriage
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The Church in Wales runs with gay abandon down the hill into the Abyss, with the Gadarene swine.
COMMENTARY
By Paul Blackham
April 17, 2026
One bishop had to retire recently because of issues with safeguarding, excessive drinking and church members overstepping sexual boundaries at Bangor Cathedral.
Just two months ago, in February, a report revealed that a priest who abused a 15-year-old boy rose to the top and became a bishop.
The allegations were, of course, covered up by the Church in Wales.
There are deep reasons why the Living God with His Church, for long ages, has been so careful to set such clear boundaries around sexuality.
Christian marriage has always been modelled on Christ and Church - just as Adam and Eve were. (Ephesians 5:31-32).
The celibate single life has always been held up as the higher form of devotion to Christ and Church - as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 7 and Jesus explains in Matthew 19:12.
Jesus teaches us that we do not need to be defined by our desires, but rather we can have a new identity that belongs to our glorious eternal future. We can know a freedom to say "no" to our deceitful desires - a freedom to say "yes" to holy love and fruitful service.
"The grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..."
(Titus 2:11-12)
With sexual boundaries broken down, integrity compromised and purity defiled, it is no surprise that the "Church in Wales" wishes to call down blessings onto what the Bible calls sexually immoral couplings.
At their meeting this week, there were still a handful of prophets of the LORD God of Israel left to speak out.
We thank God that there still remained, perhaps not seven thousand, but perhaps 7 or 8, who had not bowed the knee.
All five bishops voted for sexually immoral blessings, as did clergy by 32 to 7 (with five abstentions), and laity by 48 to 8 (with two abstentions).
Those of us who have been in these kinds of gatherings know that it is very hard to speak out for purity, compassion and faithfulness - faced with a tidal wave of peer pressure to go along with the 400 prophets rather than stand with Elijah and trust in the Living God, the Holy One of Israel.
There were those who spoke out with courage and faithfulness...
Della Nelson offered a detailed critique of the proposed liturgy - showing that it deeply undermines Biblical teaching on marriage and it is "offering marriage under another name".
"Rev Melanie Prince, from the diocese of St Davids, said she had been speaking recently to members of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, about how they could help Christians in that part of the world. "Do not water down the gospel we are dying for," was the response she received.
Julia Schulz, a lay member from Bangor diocese, added that the blessing "looks like a marriage service in all but name", and that they should remember Bible teachings about the "blueprint for what a Christian marriage is"."
Inevitably, there were those who talk a good talk in private, but said nothing in this public event.
Some "orthodox" have long since retreated from the field entirely and gone away to cuddle and huddle in their theological "safe spaces".
However, even among those who stay on the field of battle, all too many talk as if they want to stand up for Jesus and speak out on the Bible... but when it comes to the moment... they slink and slither away into the shadows, silently, shamefully.
I was just speaking to a faithful saint, who spoke out with great courage and compassion at this gathering... and she noted how so many of those who claim to support the Christian Faith, either voted for spiritual suicide or else had nothing at all to say.
We pray for those with the Spirit of Elijah who are still fighting for the Church in Wales.
The story of Elijah is of a faithful saint who was very zealous for the LORD God of Israel - who was not as alone as he feared he was. When the institutions of that ancient Church were overrun by fertility cults, yet, it was not the end of the story.
There was a day when the Living God answered by fire.
He has done that in Wales before.
May He do that again....
"Pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are.
He prayed earnestly...
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." - James 5:16-20
The Rev Dr Paul Blackham is a Welsh‑based evangelical theologian, pastor, and church planter, active for decades in both England and Wales.
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