Church of England Says To Celebrate Single People, Since Jesus Was Single, Too

The Church of England published a new 238-page report, titled “Love Matters,” in which it declares that single people shouldn’t be treated as 'lesser' than those in relationships — because, at the end of the day, Jesus was single, too.

“The Commission believes strongly that single people must be valued at the heart of our society,” the report writes. “Jesus' own singleness should ensure that the Church of England celebrates singleness and does not regard it as lesser than living in a couple relationship.”

The report is indicative of an attitude shift within the church, which has traditionally encouraged its followers to get married and have children. The report acknowledges that an increasing number of people are now remaining single — some by choice, some because they’ve been unable to find a suitable partner.

“Sometimes the right partner has not been found, and sometimes separation, divorce or death has resulted in the loss of a partner,” it says.

In 2019, guidance issued by the church regarded sex outside of marriage “as falling short of God’s purposes for human beings.” However, this recent report implies that the church has adopted a somewhat different attitude, stating that “singleness does not necessarily imply celibacy, although this is the choice some single people in faith communities make.”

Despite the shifting attitude, the church said that it stands firm in its belief that marriage is between “one man and one woman for life” and that it would not allow same-sex couples to get married in its churches.