Equal Marriage Consultation 

We are consulting on registering our building for Equal Marriage, making marriage possible for all people, not just for straight couples.  Being already an inclusive church, we are already access-all-areas for our LGBTQ+ Church Members and attenders e.g. infant dedications, believers baptism, church membership, volunteering, preaching, on staff, leadership etc... The one thing we have yet to do is register for equal marriage, so that we can then offer marriage to all couples, whatever their sexuality, be they opposite-sex or same-sex.

Following the principles of 'slow wisdom' we are taking our time to Discover > Discuss > Decide. Being a Baptist Church, the final decision will be made by our listed Church Members - on 12th July 2026.

• 25th January 2026 - Launch.
• 22nd March 2026 - Discover.
• 17th May 2026 - Discuss. [With an additional discussion space on Thursday 14th May, 7:30pm]
• 12th July - Decide.

It's vital we approach this question with faith, generosity, grace, openness to Scripture, and wisdom.  Whilst for many this is an issue, for our LGBTQ+ Church Members and attenders it cuts to the core of who they are - their identity as a human being.

We are discerning what is right for Chester Road Baptist Church and our mission & ministry. God's will for us, not our own. Read/ watch here various summary reasons for, as well as against, registering for equal
marriage.
 

Begin with  the briefing paper. It  explains what equal marriage is, what the law says, and how we're approaching this consultation. It's got some some FAQs. Click HERE.

In accordance with our church CIO Constitution, and having checked our Trust Deeds and consulted the Baptist Union of Great Britain, we will decide by an Ordinary Church Members' Meeting. For the reasons, click HERE.
 

The case FOR equal marriage

  

Watch the case FOR Equal Marriage - in just 100 words!

Watch the case FOR Equal Marriage - in 750 words! (4 minutes 53 seconds)

Read the script HERE.
 

Watch Dr Steve Burnhope's talk at the recent Fruitful Conference 25/04/2026 (37 minutes 56 seconds)

 

Further reading:

• To Inclusion and Beyond: Evangelical and affirming LGBTQ+ relationships and equal marriage, by Danny Brierley [Print | Digital | Audiobook]
• Affirmative: Why you say yes to the Bible and yes to people who are LGBTQI+, by Rev Dr Jonathan Tallon, UK Baptist theologian [Print | Digital]

The case AGAINST equal marriage

 [Trigger warning: some for whom this is not just a debatable issue but the core of their identity as a human may find views expressed in this section distressing.]

Watch the case AGAINST Equal Marriage - in just 100 words! (43 seconds)

Watch the case AGAINST Equal Marriage - in 750 words! (4 minutes 44 seconds)

Read the script HERE

Further reading:

• Marriage, Scripture, and the Church: theological discernment on the question of same-sex union, by Darrin W. Snyder Belousek [Print | Digital]

Discerning our decision together

The question is not, what version sounds more familiar or simpler to understand? Or even, what agrees with me or do I feel more comfortable with? Rather, it's, as we listen to one another and to the Holy Spirit, what might God be saying is right for Chester Road Baptist Church and our mission & ministry? Please pray, read, and listen widely and generously across our church.

Please note, though all can attend Church Member Meetings, only listed Church Members can vote.