Gay couples Church of England has voted in favour of a motion to offer blessings to same-sex couples in civil partnerships and marriages today.

The motion had been brought by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally. It was the result of six years of work on questions of identity, sexuality, relationships, and marriage known as Living In Love And Faith.

The decision came after a marathon emotional near-eight-hour debate across two days. It ended in a vote for the motion – which did not seek to change the position on gay marriage, meaning same-sex couples are still unable to marry in church.

However, this approval is a landmark moment for LGBT issues within the Church, which have set deep divides amongst the Anglican congregation for four decades.

As a result, Same-sex couples may now attend Anglican churches after a legal marriage ceremony for services including prayers of dedication, thanksgiving, and God’s blessing.

In a joint statement according to daily mail, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said it had been a ‘long road to get us to this poiant’.

“For the first time, the Church of England will publicly, unreservedly, and joyfully welcome same-sex couples in church”. they said.

” We will continue to have deep differences on these questions which go to the heart of our human identity”. They concluded.

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