Churches of England, Wales not to offer same-sex marriagesDecember 11, 2012 - 17:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Church of England and Church in Wales will be banned in law from offering same-sex marriages, the government has announced, according to BBC News. Other religious organizations will be able to "opt in" to offering ceremonies, Culture Secretary Maria Miller told MPs. David Cameron has said he wants churches in England and Wales to be part of the plans. But Miller said they had strong opposition and would not be included. Labor, which is backing the government's plans, applying to England and Wales, urged ministers not to be "too reserved" in promoting the changes. The Church of England and Roman Catholics, among other denominations, have voiced opposition to same-sex marriage. But some religious groups, including Quakers, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism, are in favor. Miller said the Church of England and Church in Wales had "explicitly stated" their opposition to offering same-sex ceremonies, so the government would "explicitly state that it will be illegal for the Churches of England and Wales to marry same-sex couples". Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |