Can gay couples get married in church

Justin Welby said the decision will "go too far for some and not nearly far enough for others". One critic and equality campaigner said the compromise to only bless couples was "utterly despicable", adding: "I cannot believe that five years of pain and trauma has got us here. The Church of England has said it will bless same-sex couples for the first time but still won't allow gay marriages in its churches. Same-sex couples will now be able to attend church services including prayers of dedication, thanksgiving and God's blessing following a legal marriage ceremony.

The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings. The document elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. The new document repeats that rationale and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. It stresses that blessings should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and "irregular" couples, under certain circumstances. But the Vatican said blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or related to civil unions or weddings. It added that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman. Pope Francis approved a document issued by the Vatican announcing the change on Monday.

By Steven Inge Mar 14, Inclusive churches are becoming more common now but where can you host a gay wedding in church? Which denominations support same-sex marriage? Find out here.