Married couples must now be asked whether they wish to be referred to as “husband and wife” under woke rules brought forward by the church.
Under guidance intended for members of the Methodist church, ministers have been urged to avoid certain stereotypes in language so as not to upset gender-neutral congregation members.
The 11-page document warns against using phrases such as “brothers and sisters”, “guys” and “fellows”.
In its inclusive language guide, ministers are told to avoid “making assumptions”.
'Husband and wife' could be deemed 'offensive' in woke marriage vow rowGETTY IMAGES“Terminology such as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ may sound inoffensive but it makes assumptions about a family or personal life that is not the reality for many people,” it reads.
The pamphlet also suggests that asking the congregation to stand “if they are able” creates a “normalised expectation that people should stand”.
The guide continues: “There is infinite variety in the way that God’s creation is expressed in human life.
“This is worth bearing in mind as we speak and write.”
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According to the pamphlet, 'husband and wife' may sound inoffensive but makes assumptions
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However, the guidance has been mocked by a Tory MP who argued all the phrases flagged as potentially offensive are “perfectly normal”.
“All these phrases are perfectly normal and I can’t see how anyone would be offended by their use,” he told the Sun.
Responding to the comments, a spokesperson for the church said: “Our guide helps the church hold conversations without inadvertently causing upset.”
The latest guidance comes after GB News was told Jesus would go to prison due to his views on man and woman.
Cardinal Muller spoke to GB News GB NEWSHis Eminence said he is concerned about what effect transsexuality could have on the family after Pope Francis confirmed transgender people can be baptised into the Catholic Church as long as doing so does not cause scandal or “confusion”.
“I believe that today, Jesus would not be condemned only because he is a Messiah”, Cardinal Müller said.
“He would in Canada or the United States or European countries go to prison because he spoke out the truth about the marriage between a man and a woman.”