Members of its governing body voted overwhelmingly in favour of the motion on 6 September, meaning church law will allow a “service of blessing following a civil partnership or marriage between two people of the same sex”.
The changes were approved by a vote of 40 to 10 among lay members, 28 to 12 among priests and 4-0 among bishops. Despite this, gay couples will still not be able to marry in church, with some LGBTQ+ campaigners describing the move as a “halfway house” in the fight for marriage equality.
Clergy members who do not agree will still have the option to refuse giving a blessing if they do not agree with gay marriage.