"I see this now as a great step forward for inclusion in the church"
Same sex couples on the Isle of Man could soon be able to get married in a church setting.
Trinity Methodist Church in Douglas is 'very likely' to become the first to perform them here.
The topic has been subject to much discussion, with members of the church being involved in 'prayerful and pastoral discussions' over the past few months to help the Church Council to reach its decision.
At a council meeting on 2 November it was agreed unanimously that an application should be submitted to register the building for same sex marriages.
"When I came out I had to leave my place of worship." - Methodist Church Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Pam Gold describes the move as a 'great step forward'.
She spoke to Manx Radio's Judith Ley:
Reverend Dr Janet Corlett is the Chair of District and Leader of the Team of Ministers at Trinity:
A statement released this morning (8 November) says: "This decision is the culmination of a faith journey lasting more than 30 years."
"In 1993, the Methodist Conference (the governing body of the Methodist Church in Britain) stated that it recognises, affirms and celebrates the participation and ministry of lesbians and gay people in the Church.
"A 2019 report affirmed that the basis of all significant relationships is commitment and self-giving love and proposed that marriage could be defined as an exclusive relationship of life-long intention between any two people.
"In 2021, the Methodist Conference took the decision to accept the principle of same-sex marriage.
"This decision allows any Methodist Church whose congregation decides to do so to begin the process of registering their building for the solemnisation of same-sex marriages."
Trinity Methodist Church, on Bucks Road in Douglas, is the Island's largest Methodist Church - it says it 'enjoys a full age-range congregation of 60 to 80 people' at its Sunday services.
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