Statement from archbishops and bishops following Marriage Referendum

Wednesday May 27th 2015

In a statement issued following the Yes vote in the Marriage Referendum in the Republic of Ireland, the archbishops and bishops of the Church of Ireland said they wished to affirm that the people of the Republic of Ireland, in deciding by referendum to alter the State’s legal definition of marriage, had of course acted fully within their rights.

“The Church of Ireland, however, defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and the result of this referendum does not alter this,” the statement said.

“The church has often existed, in history, with different views from those adopted by the state, and has sought to live with both conviction and good relationships with the civil authorities and communities in which it is set. Marriage services taking place in a Church of Ireland church, or conducted by a minister of the Church of Ireland may – in compliance with church teaching, liturgy and canon law – continue to celebrate only marriage between a man and a woman.

“We would now sincerely urge a spirit of public generosity, both from those for whom the result of the referendum represents triumph, and from those for whom it signifies disaster,” the statement concluded.