Dozens of other countries have legalised same sex unions, but homosexuality remains banned in many parts of the world which include highly religious countries like like Nigeria and others in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Church of England has been under political pressure to reform its approach to same-sex marriage ever since it became legal in England and Wales in 2013.
Nearly six years of internal debate, the plans will not change rules banning Anglican priests from officiating at weddings of same-sex marriage
The Church of England’s governing body on Thursday endorsed plans to let priests offer blessings to same-sex couples, after hours of debate highlighting deep Anglican divisions on the issue.
A total of 250 bishops, clergy and laity supported the reforms, while 181 opposed them and 10 abstained, at a vote held at the Synod gathering in central London.
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Bishop of London Sarah Mullally welcomed the Synod’s backing for the changes, and acknowledged the splits with the Anglican church in Britain and beyond.
“I recognise that there are those who are deeply thankful for this and there are those who are hurting,” she said, vowing to “be mindful of the deep divisions” going forward.”
“These divisions on these questions go to the heart of our human identity,” Mullally noted.
“I and the archbishops hope that today’s thoughtful, prayerful debate marks a new beginning for the Church as we seek to go forward, listening to each other.”
Anglicanism boasts around 85 million members, and is the third largest Christian communion after the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
