The Church of England’s House of Bishops has agreed to commend Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples.
The controversial prayers ask for God’s blessing for same-sex couples.
The Church of England is moving forward with plans to introduce the prayers after they were backed by its parliamentary body, the General Synod, in February.
The bishops met in London to discuss next steps and also agreed that structures for special services for same-sex couples based on the prayers should go forward to be formally authorised under canon law.
The proposals are to be considered at the next Synod in November, as is new pastoral guidance on how the system will operate.
Once approved, the proposals will pave the way for a process leading to the authorisation of the services under Canon B2.