The Catholic Church in England and Wales is considering stopping its involvement in civil marriage in the wake 
of the legalisation of same-sex marriage earlier this year.
At their bi-annual plenary meeting in Hinsley Hall, Leeds this week the bishops discussed adjustments the Church will have to make in response to the new legislation, the Tablet reports.
The bill legalising same-sex marriage was passed by Parliament in July and it is expected that the first same-sex weddings will take place in the middle of next year.
The bishops’ legal adviser, Professor Christopher McCrudden, warned that the Church may have to stop performing civil marriage in order to avoid being hit with discrimination actions.
Professor McCrudden argued that as a priest was performing a public function for the State he could be vulnerable to legal action by refusing to marry same-sex couples.
Bishops are also concerned about teachers in Catholic schools being permitted to teach the Church’s understanding of marriage. They are worried that future guidance given by the Secretary of State on sex and relationships education could conflict with church teaching.