Blessing but no equal marriage

The Church of England has agreed to bless same-sex married couples.

The three houses of the General Synod passed the motion that same-sex couples who are civilly married may be blessed in church.

Priests would have the option to bless gay couples but could also opt out.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has said that he would not bless gay couples.

Talking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York said: “I’m really pleased that we now will be able to bless same-sex couples who are faithfully living in a civil marriage or a civil partnership, in church.

“But at the same time, I’m glad that we believe there is a way forward to hold together in the Church those who in good conscience will not be able to offer such services. It won’t be easy but we are committed to it.”

The Church of England still maintains that marriage can only be between a man and a women, and bans same-sex couple from getting married in church.