West Midlands church becomes first Baptist congregation in city to allow same-sex weddings

A Sutton Coldfield church has become the first Baptist and evangelical church in Birmingham to register to conduct same-sex marriages.

Chester Road Baptist Church has made the landmark decision following a consultation with its congregation, which saw members vote overwhelmingly in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry at the church.

The church, based on Chester Road in Sutton Coldfield, voted in favour of the move on July 12 this year, with the registration process now completed.

It means the congregation has become the first Baptist church and first evangelical church in Birmingham to register to conduct same-sex weddings.

The decision comes as the church continues to embrace what it describes as an increasingly diverse congregation, bringing together worshippers of different ages, ethnicities, abilities, genders and sexualities.

Rev Danny Brierley, minister at Chester Road Baptist Church, said the decision reflected the congregation's interpretation of Christian teachings.

"We are inclusive because of Jesus, and what we read in the Bible - not despite it," he said.

"Given that Jesus said nothing to judge or prohibit gay relationships, it's ironic how vocal some Christians are on this.

"Jesus said, 'Love God, love others, love yourself.' It's really quite simple."

However, the decision has not been without its challenges, with the church losing several members of its congregation and thousands of pounds in annual donations.

Rev Brierley revealed that the move had cost the church around £20,000 a year in financial contributions, although he insisted the decision had been a positive one.

"We've lost a few worshippers and £20,000 a year in donation income, but it's also been liberating," he said.

"Everyone wins when everyone is included."

Same-sex marriage was legalised in England and Wales following the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, although religious organisations are not required to conduct such ceremonies.

According to figures provided by the church, just 3.5 per cent of churches in England and Wales have registered to conduct same-sex marriages, with the figure falling to 2.2 per cent in Birmingham.

Of approximately 1,800 Baptist churches across the country, only 24, or around 1.3 per cent, have registered to conduct same-sex weddings.

Some other Christian denominations, including the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and Quakers, permit same-sex marriages, while the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church do not conduct them.

Chester Road Baptist Church is affiliated with both the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Inclusive Church Network.

Rev Brierley has long campaigned for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people within Christianity and is the author of To Inclusion and Beyond: Evangelical and affirming LGBTQ+ relationships and equal marriage.

The book explores different interpretations of biblical teachings surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships and same-sex marriage.

With its registration now complete, the Sutton Coldfield congregation says it is looking forward to welcoming couples wishing to marry at the church, regardless of their sexuality.

For more information, visit chesterroadbaptist.org.uk.