Swedish Lutherans to Bless Same-Sex Unions

Not to be outdone by Conservative Jews, the Swedish Lutheran Church, the country’s largest denomination, has said same-sex couples will be able to have their unions blessed in any of its congregations as of January 2007. Individual priests may refuse to conduct such ceremonies, but the congregation must ensure a blessing is provided. Although Sweden has had a civil partnership law since 1995, ordained officiants cannot conduct partnership ceremonies.