On 31 January 2025, the Church in Wales issued the Press Release Discerning the future of same-sex blessings in the Church in Wales. The CiW introduced a time-limited provision in October 2021 which is due to expire in September 2026 after which the options include: allowing the provision to lapse; extending the current blessings; or taking the significant step of introducing a formal service of marriage for same-sex couples. Archbishop Andrew John explained [emphasis added]:

“[…] The Bishops of the Church in Wales have agreed that the options open to us ought to engage us afresh and are seeking to bring us together in conversation this Spring. The details of these meetings have now been agreed in each archdeaconry. I wish to stress the purpose of these meetings is to listen – respectfully and attentively. We believe there is wisdom in this kind of approach which allows different voices to be expressed and heard without comment or censure. We don’t expect these voices to be pilloried or applauded. Our task is to hear from each other and to seek, as best we can, the wisdom of God in our conversations.

The options open to us might see the provision we made in October 2021 simply lapse and nothing further. There would be no authorised liturgy or facility for blessing couples in same-sex unions. We could of course extend this provision and continue with our current practice. It is also open to us to offer a service of marriage for same-sex couples, and this would be a significant step for the church to make.

My invitation to you all is to participate. Whatever kinds of reflection these meetings might offer and whatever decision the Governing Body might take, it’s our engaging with each other, with Scripture and tradition in a respectful way to which we must now give ourselves. Please do attend one of the sessions in your locality and may God give us grace and peace to hear his voice”.