St. Bartholomew the Great Church rector Martin Dudley officiated at a blessing ceremony for a gay couple which threatens to split the church. Both men being joined in the ceremony were Anglican priests.
Controversy
The Church of England has not authorized the blessing of civil partnerships, although several low-key ceremonies have taken place regardless. Conservative clergy in the Anglican church are against gay marriage, and 300 bishops are meeting this week to decide whether to break with the church because it does not condemn homosexuality. Dudley used the marriage liturgy traditionally used for heterosexual couples when officiating over the ceremony for Lord and Cowell, and did so in one of London's most high-profile churches, which many consider to be an inflammatory act.
Other Dudley Controversies
Dudley was the first Church of England priest to officiate at a marriage in which one member of the couple had previously been divorced. He also officiated at the wedding ceremony for the second marriage of Penny Cadle, whom he had had an affair with during her first marriage.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Married, two children
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1995
Became rector of St. Bartholomew the Great
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Doctorate in theology
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Fact:
Fellow, Society of Antiquaries of London
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Fact:
Fellow, Royal Historical Society
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Fact:
Represents Aldersgate in London's Court of Common Council
