The Church of England has said it will not allow priests to marry same-sex couples following five years of internal debate on the issue.
According to Christian Today, Bishops met on Tuesday to conclude recommendations, which will uphold the church’s teaching that Holy Matrimony exists between one man and one woman for life.
The church in a statement affirmed that same-sex couples cannot get married but will be provided with the opportunity to give thanks.
“Under the proposals, same-sex couples would still not be able to get married in a Church of England church,” the church said in a statement.
The same-sex couples can instead “come to church to give thanks for their civil marriage or civil partnership and receive God’s blessing,” it added.