LEADERS at a historic church are looking forward to it first gay wedding.
Maldon's United Reformed Church, in Market Hill, is now registered for same-sex marriages.
It comes nearly 10 years after legislation to allow same-sex marriages in England and Wales was passed by Parliament in July 2013.
The legislation took effect in March 2014 and the first same-sex marriage took place on March 29, 2014.
The decision by Maldon URC to register for same-sex weddings was said to be supported by an “overwhelming majority” of church members, following a recommendation by church Elders.
It joins its sister church in Burnham in offering services for all couples.
The site of the historic church dates back to 1696 and the existing Georgian building dates back to the early 1800s.
Church minister Rev Anne Sardeson said: “I am delighted that we have opened our doors even wider to welcome our community here.
“I very much look forward to our first same-sex wedding.
“It is exciting to be able to serve the community in this way and show the love of God reaching out to all.”
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