As of February 2023, the Church of England has backed proposals to allow prayers of blessing for same sex couples.
Its position on gay marriage will not change and same-sex couples will still be unable to marry in church.
Bishops’ plans for last month have drawn criticism from both sides – those who think they are too extreme and those displeased with their lack of ambition.
But the motion was passed in all three of synod’s ‘houses’.
Priests will have the option to bless gay couples but can opt out. The first blessings could be in the summer.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, said the Church was in a “in a better place today” as a result of the vote.
“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,” he told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme. “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.”
Read more about the decision here – BBC News