CofE blocks same-sex weddings but approves "blessings" for non-marriage relationships

The Church of England (CofE) has rejected a bid to allow same-sex marriages in its churches but approved blessings for people in sexual relationships outside the marriage covenant.

Church leaders had asked congregants to reflect on issues of "identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage" before coming to a decision about the church's approach going forward.

In an official statement issued this week, Bishops re-affirmed the historic position of the church, grounded in scripture, that marriage is the union of one man and one woman for life.

The historic understanding of marriage "remains the lifelong union of one man and one woman, as set forth in its canons and authorised liturgies", the statement reads.

"While there is a range of convictions held by the bishops about this important matter, we have not found sufficient consensus to propose a change in doctrine at the present time", it adds.

Whilst affirming church orthodoxy, the Bishops also paved the way for prayers of blessing on sexual relationships that scripture does not condone - both heterosexual and homosexual. They wrote:

"Many would say that when two people aspire to be faithful to one another and fruitful in their service of others and of God, these ‘goods’ of relationships are worth recognising and celebrating.

"The prayers offered here are an attempt to respond by celebrating what is good and asking God to fill these relationships so they can grow in holiness", the Bishops added.

Prayers outlined in the statement have already been described as "troublesome" by one cleric, and Archbishop Justin Welby has said he will not personally use them.

The proposals are still to be debated by the Church of England's Synod, after which the House of Bishops will refine the prayers of blessing and commend them for use in churches.

Synod will be asked to discuss the proposals in detail during its meeting from February 6 to 9, with the main debate on the proposals due to take place on February 8.