Church of England Approves Trial Blessings for Same-Sex Couples

Archbishop of Canterbury Abstains from Vote, Highlighting Deep Divisions within the Church

The Church of England's governing body has narrowly voted to back special services to bless same-sex couples on a trial basis.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby abstained from the vote, stating his pastoral responsibility extends to everyone in the Church of England and global Anglican Communion.
The Church of England does not allow same-sex marriage, standing by its teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman.
The trial services are not final, settled church policy and bishops still have to give final clearance to the prayers in the services.
The decision has caused divisions within the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion, with a conservative group of Anglican church leaders declaring they no longer had confidence in Welby over his stance on same-sex unions.