The United Protestant Church of France (EPUdF) adopted an opportunity to bless same-sex couples, following an overwhelmingly positive vote, an almost first in France, said the spokesman of the main Protestant Church of the country.
Of the hundred delegates gathered EPUdF in Sète (Hérault), 94 voted for the opportunity to offer a religious blessing to homosexual couples who wish, and three against, he has said.
This vote gives the possibility to the 500 pastors of the EPUdF to bless homosexual couples, but need not force those pastors who are opposed to such a move.
Marriage is not a sacrament for Protestants, but heterosexual couples united in town hall may be blessed at the temple. In France, only the popular Evangelical Mission (MEFP), a much smaller church that EPUdF, allows a “liturgical gesture of welcome and prayer” for homosexuals.
The decision comes two years after the adoption of the Taubira law on gay marriage. Delegates from the main French Protestant Church gathered since Thursday under the theme “Blessing, witnesses of the Gospel in coaching individuals and couples.”
EPUdF, which embodies the historical trend of French Protestantism, claims 110,000 active members among 400,000 people using its services.
While denying to compete with evangelical movement in strong growth, it now betting on a missionary approach to ” switch between Church members to a Church of witnesses “
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