The Church of England Approves the Offering of Blessings to Same-sex Couples.

The Church of England’s governing body, the General Synod, has approved plans to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, following a heated and divisive debate.

The proposals, which were presented last month after years of internal discussions, were supported by 250 Synod members and opposed by 181, with 10 abstaining. The decision will not alter the ban on Anglican priests performing same-sex marriages.

The Synod also endorsed a proposal to allow blessings for civil marriages or civil partnerships in a church and recognized the Church’s past failure to be welcoming to LGBTQ individuals.

However, the moves have received criticism from both those who believe the Church is not doing enough and those who believe any changes are inappropriate. The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, welcomed the Synod’s support and acknowledged the rift within the Anglican Church.