Church of England moves closer to services of blessing for same-sex couples

The archbishop of Canterbury urged traditionalists not to abandon the church over the move

Special church services to bless same-sex couples have inched closer after the Church of England's ruling body backed a proposal by bishops that could see a three-year trial starting in 2025.

The General Synod, meeting in York, voted by 216 to 191 to back the move, which is the latest incremental step in the C of E's long journey towards welcoming the civil marriages of same-sex couples.