Methodists ponder polyamory

British Methodists should give ‘further theological attention’ to polyamory – a term for having multiple sexual partners simultaneously.

Polygamy should also be given some thought, delegates at the denomination’s recent conference in Telford, were told in a report.

A paper before conference stated: ‘Polygamy is practised within some cultures, and there are many examples of polygamy within the Bible. At present polygamy is not legally possible within the United Kingdom and it is a question that predominantly arises more in the context of relationships with world church partners.

It went on: ‘Polyamory places emphasis on deep, intimate relationships with more than one partner. Both of these patterns of relating, which potentially involve long-term committed sexual relationships with more than one partner at the same time, merit further theological attention.’

The church’s Faith and Order Committee did not suggest immediate debate but that it should keep the subjects ‘on its agenda’ – perhaps for further consideration in 2025. Methodist spokesman Michael Ivatt told en: ‘We recognise marriage as being between two people and, whilst we are committed to continued study of marriage and relationships, we have no immediate plans to discuss polygamy or polyamory.’

In 2020, active membership of the Methodists stood at 164,000 – an 18.8% decline since 2014.

Meanwhile, the oldest remaining Methodist building in the world has decided to permit same-sex marriages. The New Room chapel, in Bristol, decided to accept them from this summer onwards with church minister Mandy Briggs (see photo) describing the move as a ‘natural next step’ since the building had been a venue for services organised by supporters of Bristol Pride since 2018. The church was built in 1739 by John Wesley. ’