Rev Richard Coles on celibacy, conscience and the Church
The Reverend Richard Coles has told the 麻豆社 that his relationship with his husband, David, was not celibate, despite it being a requirement of the Church of England.
Mr Coles, who retired as a vicar this year, told 麻豆社 Hardtalk鈥檚 Stephen Sackur that he could not be both honest to himself and to the promises that the Church required him to make. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have a celibate relationship,鈥� he said.
The Church of England does not accept same-sex marriage though it does accept civil partnerships. Its teachings say same-sex relationships should be celibate.
Mr Coles said he had 鈥渘ever had a twinge of conscience鈥� about breaking the celibacy vow he made, 鈥渂ecause I thought the question was not a legitimate question."
His wedding to David, who died three years ago, could not take place inside the Church or receive an official blessing despite them both being vicars.
