The Church of England has accused the government of drawing up gay-marriage plans without consulting senior members of the clergy, the Guardian reported on Friday.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller told parliament on Tuesday that a “quadruple lock” of measures will be introduced to ensure religious organisations will not be forced to marry same-sex couples.
But Bishop Tim Stevens, the Church of England’s head spokesman in the House of Lords, told a meeting of church officials and politicians that the government had not sought the church’s advice, according to the Guardian.
He is also reported to have denied that the church called for the quadruple lock.
“Bishop Tim’s point was that there was a meeting due with the Secretary of State that did not take place and the first we heard of the fine detail was when she stood up and announced it,” said a church spokesman.
“It would be fair to say the Secretary of State hadn’t made contact directly with senior members of the church,” he added.
Church criticises gay-marriage announcement: report
