Church of England allows priests to bless same-sex civil marriages, bans same-sex church weddings

LIVERPOOL, England (OSV News) -- The Church of England banned church weddings for same-sex couples while allowing priests to bless same-sex marriages and partnerships.

The General Synod of the Church of England decided Feb. 9 that gay couples would be allowed to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give thanks, dedicate their relationship to God and receive God’s blessing.

Majorities in the houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity agreed on the move after a landmark debat

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