View source for Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches

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{{Christianity and sexual orientation}}
[[File:Alan - 07.jpg|thumb|right|Blessing of a same-sex union]]
The blessing or wedding of [[same-sex marriage]]s and [[same-sex union]]s is an issue about which leaders of [[Christianity|Christian]] churches are in ongoing disagreement. Traditionally, Christianity teaches that [[sexual practices between men]] and [[sexual practices between women]] are [[Christian views on sin|sinful]] and that [[Christian views on marriage|holy matrimony]] can only exist between two persons of different sexes. These disagreements are primarily centred on the interpretation of various [[Bible|scripture]] passages related to [[homosexuality]], [[sacred tradition]], and in some churches on varying understandings of homosexuality in terms of [[psychology]], [[genetics]] and other scientific data. While numerous church bodies have widely varying practices and teachings, individual Christians of every major tradition are involved in practical ([[orthopraxy]]) discussions about how to respond to the issue.

==Theological views of those who support same-sex unions and/or marriages==
Those [[Christians]] and churches which support blessing of same-sex unions and/or marriages do so from several perspectives:
* It is an affirmative good that stands alongside opposite-sex marriage and committed monastic celibacy as a revelation of God's self in the world.<ref name=IPC>Institute for Progressive Christianity (instituteforprogressivechristianity.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=36) link inactive as of 2008-05-10</ref>
* The logical coherence of the core Christian doctrines such as the [[Trinity]], the [[incarnation (Christianity)|Incarnation]], the [[resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]] and the [[ascension of Jesus|ascension]] is improved through the integration of same-sex marriage into the Christian conception of marriage.<ref name=IPC />{{clarify inline|date=December 2024}}
* Our understanding of marriage as a metaphor of Christ's relationship with the Church is strengthened by assimilating same-sex marriage into that metaphor.<ref name=IPC />
* Some scholars maintain that scripture in the original languages contains no prohibition of homosexuality, but does record same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoperemainsonline.com/ |title=Homepage |website=Hope Remains |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> "But if we take a closer look, reading the scripture in the original Hebrew and Greek, we discover that God never condemned homosexuality, and that same-sex marriage existed in Bible times."<ref>Gay and Christian? Yes!, pp. 1–70, Rev. William H. Carey, 2006, 2008 Lulu.com</ref> "To tell a homosexual that the Bible is Good News, (but that) it says that their ability to love on a one-to-one basis (mate level) means they are sinful and perverted in God's eyes is a gross contradiction in terms. What's more, God is not saying this to gay people. God's Word is this: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, KJV). And that is the Good News for modern gays."<ref>Good News for Modern Gays, pp. 1–213, Rev. Sylvia Pennington, 1985 Lambda Lite Productions</ref>
* The Biblical references to homosexuality were uttered in the context of promiscuous same-sex practices of Hellenistic cultures (Paul) and cultures surrounding the people of Israel (Deut), especially when the interaction was between two people not of equal standing, and thus could be viewed as coercive and non-consensual. This kind of sex without love was often practiced by heterosexual men in lieu of going to female prostitutes. It is a discriminating misconception of our times to transfer that prohibition of such promiscuous practice without love to what we discuss here: durable, long-term, selective same-sex unions.<ref>Streitfall Liebe – Biblische Plädoyers wider die Ausgrenzung homosexuelller Menschen, Valeria Hinck, Mering : Pro-Literatur-Verlag 2007 http://d-nb.info/984453415</ref>

==Partial overview==

===Anglicanism===

In 2004, the then archbishop of Canterbury, [[Rowan Williams]], asked the Lambeth Commission on Communion to produce a report looking into the legal and [[theological]] implications flowing from [[Anglican views of homosexuality|decisions related to homosexuality]] that were apparently threatening the Anglican Communion, including decisions relating to the blessing of same-sex unions. Once published the ''[[Windsor Report]]'' led to the calling by the Lambeth Commission for a moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions, and recommended that bishops who have authorised such rites in the United States and Canada "be invited to express regret that the proper constraints of the bonds of affection were breached by such authorisation." The report was roundly condemned by supporters of the gay and lesbian community, as well as by a number of theologians for its partiality.<ref>The Windsor Report was the subject of a special issue of the ''[[Anglican Theological Review]]'' (Volume 87, no. 4, 2005), which contained sharp criticism, historical analysis, and more appreciative articles from a broad spectrum of theologians.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/section_d/p1.cfm |title=The Lambeth Commission on Communion |publisher=[[Anglican Communion]] |access-date=2007-05-13}}</ref> To date, "the more liberal provinces that are open to changing Church doctrine on marriage in order to allow same-sex unions include Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, South India, South Africa, the US and Wales".<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|title=Church split over homosexuality would be a failure – Welby – BBC News|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref>

==== Anglican Church of Canada ====
The General Synod of the [[Anglican Church of Canada]] in 2004 voted to defer a decision of same-sex blessings until 2007, but also to "Affirm the integrity and sanctity of committed adult same-sex relationships".<ref name=CA>{{cite web
 |url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/news/newsitem.asp?id=156 
 |title=Canadian Church defers blessing decision and affirms adult same-sex relationships 
 |date=11 June 2004 
 |first=Colin 
 |last=Coward 
 |publisher=Changing Attitude – Anglican Communion News 
 |access-date=2007-05-13 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927152118/http://changingattitude.org.uk/news/newsitem.asp?id=156 
 |archive-date=2007-09-27 
}}</ref> In 2007, a resolution enabling diocesan bishops to authorize the blessing of same-gender unions narrowly failed, but a statement adopted by General Synod in 2010 "acknowledge[d] diverse pastoral practices as dioceses respond to their own missional contexts," effectively devolving decisions about blessings to local dioceses.

The Anglican Church of Canada does not distinguish theologically between a marriage solemnized in church and a civil marriage subsequently blessed by a priest. Currently, three dioceses – New Westminster, Niagara, and Montréal – extend the blessing of civil marriages to same-sex couples. Procedures for blessings are in development in Ottawa and Toronto. In 2010 the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada voted to study a proposal to bless only those marriages that have been civilly registered, even where marriage is reserved to heterosexual couples, abrogating the role of clergy as delegates of the provincial registrar altogether.

The blessing of same-sex unions became a subject of media attention in the [[Vancouver]] area in May, 2003 when [[Bishop]] [[Michael Ingham (bishop)|Michael Ingham]] of the [[Anglican Diocese of New Westminster]] announced that he had given priests in some parishes the authority to bless [[gay]] and [[lesbian]] unions.<ref name=CA/> Bishop Ingham issued a rite of blessing of people in committed same-sex unions on May 23, 2003.<ref name=chronology>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.samesexblessing.info/Overview/Chronology/tabid/72/Default.aspx 
 |title=Chronology of Actions taken by the Anglican Church Of Canada & the Diocese of New Westminster in regard to the Issue of Same-Sex Unions 
 |publisher=Diocese of New Westminster (Anglican) 
 |access-date=2007-05-13 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518011901/http://www.samesexblessing.info/Overview/Chronology/tabid/72/Default.aspx 
 |archive-date=2007-05-18 
}}</ref> This was done in response to requests by three consecutive Diocesan Synods, culminating in June, 2002.  The [[diocese]] considers that the blessing of same-sex couples is one part of their work of [[community]] outreach and care for parishioners. The blessing is a way that some [[priests]] use to ensure that [[homosexual]] people who seek to be included in the Anglican Communion feel safe and respected.<ref name=ingham>{{cite web
|url=http://www.samesexblessing.info/
|title=Welcome from the Bishop
|author=Michael Ingham, Bishop
|publisher=Diocese of New Westminster (Anglican)
|access-date=2007-05-13}}</ref> The blessing is a "pastoral tool".<ref name=ingham/>
Some priests in some parishes (six out of 80) bless permanent faithful relationships. Permission is granted by the bishop only when a priest requests it, and a parish has decided by [[majority vote]], that they want to be a place of blessing. Ingham says of the practice: ''I insist only that those on all sides of the issue respect one another and that everyone should maintain the order of the church. Our goal in the Anglican Church in the [[Greater Vancouver]] area is to be a church that accommodates differences.''<ref name=ingham/>

In 2009, the [[Anglican Diocese of Niagara]] in southwestern Ontario became the second diocese to authorize the blessing of same-sex unions when Bishop Michael Bird approved a gender-neutral rite for the blessing of civil marriages. The rite was permitted for use in consultation with the diocesan bishop beginning September 1, 2009.<ref name=bird>{{cite web
|url=https://www.anglicanjournal.com/diocese-of-niagara-to-offer-same-sex-blessings-8612/ |title=Diocese of Niagara to Offer Same-Sex Blessings |last=Sison |first=Marites N |date=July 10, 2009 |publisher=[[Anglican Journal]] |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

In 2009, the Bishop of the [[Anglican Diocese of Ottawa]] authorized the blessing of same-sex unions in a single parish: the Church of St John the Evangelist. Rather than issuing a specific rite, Bishop Chapman authorized an existing rite already in use for the blessing of civil marriages between opposite-sex couples.<ref name=chapman>{{cite web |url=https://www.christianweek.org/ottawa-anglican-church-offers-same-sex-blessing/ |title=Ottawa Anglican Church Offers Same-Sex Blessing |last=Storey |first=Mags |date=November 24, 2009 |website=Christian Week |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

In 2010, Barry Clarke, Bishop of the [[Anglican Diocese of Montreal]], authorized the blessing of same-sex unions. He issued a rite and guidelines to permit the blessing of civil marriages regardless of the gender of the spouses. The rite had been adapted from an existing rite already in use for the blessing of civil marriages between opposite-sex couples.<ref name=clarke>{{cite web |url=http://www.anglicanessentials.ca/wordpress/index.php/2010/07/10/bishop-of-montreal-approves-same-sex-blessing-liturgy/ |title=Bishop of Montreal Approves Same-Sex Blessing Liturgy |date=July 10, 2010 |website=Anglican Essentials Canada |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821190739/http://www.anglicanessentials.ca/wordpress/index.php/2010/07/10/bishop-of-montreal-approves-same-sex-blessing-liturgy/ |archive-date=August 21, 2011}}</ref>

A limited number of parishes in the [[Anglican Diocese of Toronto]] have been authorized to bless same-sex unions. Rather than crafting a specific rite of blessing, the Archbishop of Toronto issued guidelines setting rules and restrictions on blessings. Blessings must not resemble too closely a marriage rite, with the specific proviso that no form of blessing used for marriage in the official rites of the Anglican Church of Canada or other parts of the Anglican Communion may be used with same-sex couples.<ref name=johnson>{{cite web
|url=http://www.toronto.anglican.ca/uploads.php?id=4d83da6cc1ad3
|title=Pastoral Guidelines for the Blessing of Same Gender Commitments
|author=College of Bishops
|publisher=[[Anglican Diocese of Toronto]]
|access-date=2011-09-05}}</ref>

On July 12, 2016, the General Synod voted in favour of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/anglicans-to-allow-same-sex-marriage-after-vote-recount-1.3676140 |website=CBC |title=Anglicans to allow same-sex marriage after vote recount |last=Perkel |first=Colin |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> The Dioceses of Ottawa and Niagara, which already provide blessing rites, have announced that they will begin allowing same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/07/12/some-canadian-anglican-bishops-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-despite-church-ruling.html|title=Anglicans discover mistake in same-sex marriage vote, leading to stunning reversal|work=Toronto Star|date=12 July 2016|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> In 2019, the second reading to change the marriage canon to include same-sex marriage failed to pass when it did not receive a 2/3 majority in the House of Bishops despite receiving the necessary votes among the Clergy and the Laity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zeidler |first=Maryse |date=July 13, 2019 |title=Anglican Church rejects same-sex marriage approvals in vote |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/anglican-church-rejects-same-sex-marriage-approvals-in-vote-1.5211051 |website=CBC}}</ref> However, the General Synod did vote in favor of a document, "A Word to the Church," which allows diocese to bless same-sex unions and which clarifies that "the existing canon does not prohibit same-sex marriage."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-09 |title=What the Anglican Church of Canada's same-sex marriage vote means for its future |url=https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/09/09/what-the-anglican-church-of-canadas-same-sex-marriage-vote-means-for-its-future/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref> Therefore, the Anglican Church of Canada has affirmed that there is a local option to allow same-sex marriages in church.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Communications |first=General Synod |date=2019-03-16 |title=A Word to the Church: Considering the proposed amendment of Marriage Canon XXI |url=http://www.anglican.ca/news/a-word-to-the-church-considering-the-proposed-amendment-of-marriage-canon-xxi/30023889/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=The Anglican Church of Canada |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=CBC News |date=July 17, 2019 |title=Anglican Church in Ottawa to continue performing gay marriages |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/anglican-church-in-ottawa-to-continue-performing-gay-marriages-1.5213254 |website=CBC}}</ref>

==== Episcopal Church in the USA ====
At its triennial [[General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America|General Convention]] in 1976, the Episcopal Church took the first step toward acknowledging homosexual persons' claim to the Church's pastoral concern and care. Thirty-nine years later, at its 2015 General Convention as recounted below, the Church would establish marriage equality for Episcopalians desiring to enter into same-sex unions.<ref name="episcopaldigitalnetwork.com">{{cite web |title=General Convention wrap-up: Historic actions, structural changes |website=Episcopal News Service |date=July 7, 2015 |url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/07/07/general-convention-wrap-up-historic-actions-structural-changes/ |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215023148/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/07/07/general-convention-wrap-up-historic-actions-structural-changes/ |archive-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref>

'''1976.''' The 1976 General Convention resolved "that it is the sense of this General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church."<ref>''Journal of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis 1976'' (New York: General Convention, 1977), C-109. Online at http://www.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=1976-A069.</ref>

'''2006.''' At its 2006 General Convention, the Episcopal Church rejected a resolution allowing the solemnization of same-sex ''marriages'' in Massachusetts, where [[Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts|same-sex marriage is recognized by civil law]]. However, the 2006 General Convention adopted a resolution under the title "Reaffirm Church Membership of Gay and Lesbian Persons." The resolution was in four parts:<ref name="The Episcopal Church 2007">''Journal of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006'' (New York: General Convention, 2007), 669–670.</ref>
* It reaffirmed "that gay and lesbian persons are by Baptism full members of the Body of Christ and of The Episcopal Church as 'children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church.'&nbsp;"
* It apologized "on behalf of The Episcopal Church to its members who are gay or lesbian, and to lesbians and gay men outside the Church, for years of rejection and maltreatment by the Church," and recommit to "seek amendment of our life together as we ask God's help in sharing the Good News with all people."
* It pledged "to include openly gay and lesbian persons on every committee, commission or task force developed for the specific purpose of discussing issues about sexuality and request the same of our sister churches in the Anglican Communion and Anglican Communion bodies."
* Regarding membership in the [[Anglican Communion]], it reiterated that "our baptism into Jesus Christ is inseparable from our communion with one another, and we commit ourselves to that communion despite our diversity of opinion and, among dioceses, a diversity of pastoral practice with the gay men and lesbians among us."<ref name="The Episcopal Church 2007"/>

'''2009.''' In July 2009, the General Convention adopted a resolution allowing individual bishops to choose whether or not to allow the blessing of same-sex unions within their dioceses. The resolution was seen as a compromise between those who call for an official rite for the blessing of same-sex unions, and those who oppose any recognition of such unions. However, the resolution also left the door open for the creation of such an official rite in the future, calling on bishops to "collect and develop theological and liturgical resources" for possible use for such a purpose at the 2012 General Convention.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/us/16episcopal.html?_r=1 |work=The New York Times |title=Episcopal Bishops Give Ground on Gay Marriage |first=Laurie |last=Goodstein |date=2009-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=94111 |title=Gays make advances at Episcopal confab |access-date=10 July 2013}}</ref>

'''2012.''' On July 9, 2012, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution approving an official [[liturgy]] for blessing same-sex unions. This liturgy, called "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant" offers a blessing close to marriage, but the church is clear that it is not marriage. According to Rev. Ruth Meyers, chairwoman of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, "There are a lot of similarities. The couple give their consent to being joined in lifelong commitment, they exchange vows. There's the possibility of exchanging rings, or, for couples who have been together for some time and already have rings, to have their rings blessed. There is a blessing over the couple. But we're clear at this point that this is not a marriage because the Episcopal Church is not in agreement in its understanding of marriage." The resolution enables priests to bestow the church's blessing on gay couples even if they live in a state where same-sex marriage is illegal; however, bishops who do not approve of the liturgy can prohibit their priests from using it. The resolution is provisional and will be reviewed in three years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/11/us/episcopalians-approve-rite-to-bless-same-sex-unions.html?partner=rss&emc=rss |work=The New York Times |title=Episcopalians Approve Rite to Bless Same-Sex Unions |first=Laurie |last=Goodstein |date=2012-07-10}}</ref>

As of September 1, 2012, clergy of the [[Episcopal Diocese of New York]] have been authorized to officiate at same-sex weddings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dioceseny.org/pages/491-same-sex-marriage |title=Same Sex Marriage |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=The Episcopal Diocese of New York |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110061534/http://www.dioceseny.org/pages/491-same-sex-marriage |archive-date=November 10, 2014}}</ref>

'''2015.'''  As the Episcopal News Service reported on the 2015 Seventy-eighth General Convention, "in the wake of the June 26 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage for all Americans, General Convention followed suit on July 1 with canonical and liturgical changes to provide marriage equality for Episcopalians." A canonical change eliminated "language defining marriage as between a man and a woman" and "two new marriage rites with language allowing them to be used by same-sex or opposite-sex couples." These new marriage rites are to be used "under the discretion and with the permission of the diocesan bishop." Also, "clergy retain the canonical right to refuse to officiate at any wedding."<ref name="episcopaldigitalnetwork.com"/>

The two new marriage rites have been made available online without charge by the Church Publishing House. [https://www.churchpublishing.org/contentassets/104caa0c8b8741819c171f642de395a3/the_witnessing_and_blessing_of_a_marriage.pdf  "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage" (Church Publishing House, 2015)] and
[https://www.churchpublishing.org/contentassets/104caa0c8b8741819c171f642de395a3/the_celebration_and_blessing_of_a_marriage_2.pdf  "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2" (Church Publishing House, 2015)]

The General Convention also approved [http://www.integrityusa.org/doc_download/9-rite-for-same-sex-blessings ''The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant: Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Sex Relationships''] for "continued use."<ref>{{cite web |first=Sharon |last=Sheridan |title=General Convention approves marriage equality |website=Episcopal News Service |date=July 1, 2015 |url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/07/01/general-convention-approves-marriage-equality/ |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-date=May 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515213455/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/07/01/general-convention-approves-marriage-equality/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== England ====
The [[Church of England]]'s approach to same-sex relationships is currently defined (in a ''[[de facto]]'' sense) by ''Issues in Human Sexuality'':<ref name="IHS1991">{{cite web |title=Issues in Human Sexuality: A Statement by the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of England, December 1991. |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-07/issues-in-human-sexuality.pdf |website=The Church of England |publisher=Church House Publishing |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> a statement issued in 1991 by the [[House of Bishops (Church of England)|House of Bishops]] 'to which all clergy currently are asked to assent'.<ref name="CofEPressReleaseJan23" /> In 2023 it was stated that this document would be replaced by new 'pastoral guidance'.

In 2016, the [[Archbishops' Council]] of the [[Church of England]] confirmed the following:<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2016/11/secretary-general-responds-to-gafcon-uk.aspx|title=Church of England News: Secretary General responds to GAFCON UK|work=Church of England News|access-date=2017-06-02|language=en}}</ref>
* clergy in the Church of England are allowed to enter in same-gender civil partnerships;
* clergy are able to offer prayers in support of same-gender couples;
* churches are able to publicly welcome LGBT people;
* clergy and lay people are allowed to make arguments in favour of changing church doctrine.
In 2017, the Church of England's [[Diocese of Hereford]] voted in favour of a motion calling on the church "to create a set of formal services and prayers to bless those who have had a same-sex marriage or civil partnership."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/landmark-vote-piles-pressure-on-anglicans-over-same-sex-marriage-jwrzs6qbs|title=Landmark vote piles pressure on Anglicans over same-sex marriage |first=Kaya |last=Burgess|date=2017-10-20|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=2017-10-22|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> At General Synod in 2019, the Church of England announced that same-gender couples may remain and be recognized as married after a spouse has experienced [[Gender transitioning|gender transition]] provided that the spouses identified as opposite genders at the time of the marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/church-of-england-accepts-same-sex-marriage-with-a-catch-3nq6j0zjh|title=Church accepts marriage between people of the same gender — with a catch |first=Kaya |last=Burgess|date=2019-07-04|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=2019-07-06|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/|title=Church of England will condone gay couples for first time – as long as they were man and wife when they took vows|last=Swerling|first=Gabriella|date=2019-07-04|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-07-06|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

In January 2023, following a six-year period of discernment, the [[House of Bishops (Church of England)|House of Bishops]] announced that it was proposing to 'offer the fullest possible pastoral provision without changing the Church’s doctrine of Holy Matrimony for same-sex couples through a range of draft prayers, [...] which could be used voluntarily in churches for couples who have marked a significant stage of their relationship such as a civil marriage or civil partnership'.<ref name="CofEPressReleaseJan23">{{cite web |title=Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/bishops-propose-prayers-thanksgiving-dedication-and-gods-blessing-same-sex |website=The Church of England |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> The draft prayers were introduced and debated at General Synod the following month.<ref>[https://news.sky.com/story/church-of-england-votes-to-offer-blessings-to-same-sex-couples-12806807 News sky: Church of England votes to offer blessings to same-sex couples], 9 February 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64581421 BBC.com: Church of England backs plans to bless gay couples], 9 February 2023</ref> 

On 12 December 2023 the House of Bishops published ''Prayers of Love and Faith'', 'a selection of readings and prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples', having approved the final version that morning, and commended them 'for use in regular public worship or private prayer'; at the same time they published 'pastoral guidance' setting out how the prayers can be used.<ref name="CofEPressReleaseDec23">{{cite web |title=Prayers of Love and Faith to be made available for use from Sunday |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/prayers-love-and-faith-be-made-available-use-sunday |website=The Church of England |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> They are commended for use during ''regular'' church services (such as a Sunday Eucharist or Sunday Evensong); the holding of separate 'standalone' services is not currently envisaged (on the basis that, while prayers can be 'commended' for use by the House of Bishops, standalone services would need more formal 'authorisation' by General Synod under canon law). The first formally approved blessings taking place during regular church services began on December 18, 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-17 |title=Felixstowe same-sex couple receives one of Anglican church's first blessings |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-67743298 |access-date=2024-05-26 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=Same-sex couples receive blessings for first time in Church of England |url=https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2023/12/18/same-sex-couples-receive-blessings-for-first-time-in-church-of-england/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref> 

In November 2023, however, the General Synod of the Church of England had accepted an amendment 'calling on the bishops to consider whether standalone services for same-sex couples could be made available for use, possibly on a trial basis';<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs services for gay couples |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67432854 |access-date=2023-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs plans for trial blessings of same-sex weddings |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-backs-plans-for-blessings-of-same-sex-weddings |access-date=2023-11-20 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> as of December 2023 this remains under discussion by the House of Bishops.<ref name="CofEPressReleaseDec23" /> In July 2024, the General Synod voted to support moving forward with "stand-alone" services of blessing, on a trial basis, for same-sex couples following a civil partnership or civil marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-10 |title=Church of England's General Synod backs standalone services for same-sex blessings |url=https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2024/07/10/church-of-englands-general-synod-backs-standalone-services-for-same-sex-blessings/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2024-07-08 |title=Church of England moves closer to services of blessing for same-sex couples |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/08/church-of-england-synod-vote-services-blessing-same-sex-couples-welby |access-date=2024-07-28 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==== Ireland ====
The [[Church of Ireland]] has facilitated a number of conversations about the subject of homosexuality. In 2002, a vicar celebrated a blessing service for a same-sex couple.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Ciaran Tierney |newspaper=The Mirror |date=2002-09-28|title=Lesbian couple get church blessing.(News)|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92208364.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023012132/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92208364.html |archive-date=2012-10-23 }}</ref> In 2008, "the Church of Ireland Pensions Board ha[d] confirmed that it will treat civil partners the same as spouses."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/listening-process-vital-to-bring-gay-lesbian-clergy-in-from-margins-1.945021|title=Listening process vital to bring gay, lesbian clergy in from margins|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=2017-06-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, a senior minister within the church entered into a same-sex civil partnership becoming the first to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-14787854|title=Minister Rev Tom Gordon civil partnership 'welcomed' – BBC News|work=BBC News|date=5 September 2011|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> The Clergy Pension Fund recognized that "the pension entitlement of a member's registered civil partner will be the same as that of a surviving spouse..."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/AboutUs/cpf/CPF_Booklet_12.pdf|title=Clergy Pension Fund: Explanatory Booklet|date=April 2012|website=ireland.anglican.org|publisher=Church of Ireland|access-date=December 24, 2016}}</ref> A Church of Ireland report states that "the moral logic underpinning the negative portrayal of same-sex eroticism in Scripture does not directly address committed, loving, consecrated same-sex relationships today".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.ireland.challenged.by.report.on.homosexuality/77080.htm|title=Church of Ireland challenged by report on homosexuality|work=Christian Today|date=19 January 2016 |access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> Currently, the church recognizes four main viewpoints ranging from opposition of same-sex unions to full acceptance of same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ireland.anglican.org/information/85|title=Human Sexuality|publisher=Church of Ireland|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603173307/http://ireland.anglican.org/information/85|archive-date=2016-06-03}}</ref> "The CoI General Synod considered blessing same-sex relationships in 2017, however it was rejected – in a relatively narrow vote."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bradfield |first=Philip |date=January 2023 |title=Church of England gay marriage: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says church will bless same sex unions but not marriage – Church of Ireland sticks to traditional definition of marriage |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/church-of-england-gay-marriage-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby-says-church-will-bless-same-sex-unions-but-not-marriage-church-of-ireland-sticks-to-traditional-definition-of-marriage-3992408}}</ref> In 2022, two bishops in the Church of Ireland declared their support for the blessing of same-sex unions.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Two out of 10 Church of Ireland bishops affirm same-sex relationships at international conference |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2022/08/04/two-out-of-10-church-of-ireland-bishops-affirm-same-sex-relationships-at-international-conference/ |access-date=2023-02-15 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> Three dioceses, the [[Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe|United Diocese of Tuam, Limerick, and Killaloe]], the [[Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough]], and the [[Diocese of Cashel and Ossory|Diocese of Cashel, Ferns, and Ossory]] have voted to support the blessing of civil same-sex marriages, requesting that a motion be considered by the General Synod.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two dioceses back call for same-sex marriage rites for the Church of Ireland {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2024 |url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/06/two-dioceses-back-call-for-same-sex-marriage-rites-for-the-church-of-ireland/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=anglican.ink|date=7 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Third Irish diocese asks general synod to permit same-sex blessings {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2024 |url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/27/third-irish-diocese-asks-general-synod-to-permit-same-sex-blessings/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=anglican.ink|date=28 November 2023 }}</ref>

==== Scotland ====
In 2015, the General Synod of the [[Scottish Episcopal Church]] passed an initial vote which could eventually lead to the formal blessing of same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/06/12/scottish-episcopal-church-passes-intial-vote-in-favour-of-same-sex-marriage/ |title=Scottish Episcopal Church passes initial vote in favour of same-sex marriage |last=Duffy |first=Nick |date=June 12, 2015 |website=PinkNews |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Following that vote, [[St Paul's Cathedral, Dundee|St. Paul's Cathedral]] in Dundee held a special ceremony which, for the first time, blessed the union of a same-sex couple who had already been married in Dundee's [[Register office (United Kingdom)|registry office]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kaleidoscot.com/same-sex-wedding-blessed-in-dundee-cathedral-4251|title=Same-sex wedding blessed in Dundee Cathedral|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815042639/http://www.kaleidoscot.com/same-sex-wedding-blessed-in-dundee-cathedral-4251|archive-date=2016-08-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2016, the church general synod voted to amend the marriage canon to include same-sex couples,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-36498967|title=Scottish Episcopal Church takes gay marriage step – BBC News|work=BBC News|date=10 June 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> and on 8 June 2017 it voted to allow  same-sex weddings in Scottish Episcopal churches.<ref name="Sherwood 2017">{{cite web | last=Sherwood | first=Harriet | title=Scottish Episcopal church votes to allow same-sex weddings | website=The Guardian | date=8 June 2017 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/08/scottish-episcopal-church-votes-to-allow-same-sex-weddings | access-date=27 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 8 June  2017">{{cite web | title=Scottish Episcopal Church approves gay marriage | website=BBC News | date=8 June 2017 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40190204 | access-date=6 August 2017}}</ref>

On 1 August 2017, an American couple with Scottish connections were married, in "a small intimate occasion" just outside Edinburgh, which included the [[Eucharist]] as a nuptial mass, presided over by the [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|Rector]] of [[Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh|St John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh]], making it the first Anglican same-sex wedding in the [[British Isles]].<ref name="Religion News Service 2017">{{cite web | title=Britain's first Anglican same-sex marriage celebrated in a Scottish church | website=Religion News Service | date=4 August 2017 | url=http://religionnews.com/2017/08/04/britains-first-same-sex-marriage-celebrated-in-a-scottish-church/ | access-date=6 August 2017}}</ref> On 16 September 2017, two men married inside [[Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh|St John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh]], also preside over by the Rector of St John's, making it the first same-sex marriage inside an Anglican church in the British Isles.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite web | title=First same-sex Anglican church wedding takes place in Edinburgh | website=BBC News | date=29 September 2017 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-41441611.amp}}</ref>

==== Wales ====
[[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|Civil partnerships]] have been permitted for clergy since 2005. Regarding such civil unions, "[[Church in Wales|The Church in Wales]] has no formal view on whether people in civil partnerships who are in a sexual relationship can serve as clergy. If the issue arises, it is up to the relevant Bishop to decide."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/church-wales-looks-pension-rights-1811046|title=Church in Wales looks at pension rights for clerics' partners.|last=WalesOnline|date=2011-09-15|work=walesonline|access-date=2017-06-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304160958/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/church-wales-looks-pension-rights-1811046|archive-date=2016-03-04}}</ref> The Welsh Church does not require abstinence within civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/leading.gay.cleric.jeffrey.john.narrowly.rejected.as.bishop.in.wales/105009.htm|title=Leading Gay Cleric Jeffrey John Narrowly Rejected As Bishop In Wales {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=24 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=2017-06-02}}</ref>

In 2015, the [[Church in Wales]] discussed same-sex marriages and "more than half of its Governing Body voted in favour of [same-sex marriage]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.in.wales.shows.support.for.same.sex.marriage/65061.htm|title=Church in Wales shows support for same sex marriage {{!}} Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=17 September 2015 |access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> However, due to the need for a 2/3 majority to amend the marriage canon, the Bench of Bishops decided to approve "a series of prayers which may be said with a couple following the celebration of a civil partnership or civil marriage".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/2016/04/same-sex-marriage-statement/|title=Same-sex marriage statement|last=Anna|first=Morrell|date=2016-04-06|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-date=2016-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410152855/http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/2016/04/same-sex-marriage-statement/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The prayers, in Form One, give thanks  "for [the partners] who have found such love and companionship in each other, that it has led them to dedicate their lives in support of one another."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/faith/believe/bench_samesexmarriage/|title=Same-sex marriage – The Church in Wales|website=The Church in Wales|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-06-02|archive-date=2017-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921205747/http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/faith/believe/bench_samesexmarriage/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 7 September 2021 in an historic vote the Church in Wales allowed blessings for same-sex marriages.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/06/church-in-wales-votes-to-bless-same-sex-marriages The Guardian: Church in Wales votes to bless same-sex marriages], September 2021</ref> The first such blessing took place at [[St Collen's Church, Llangollen]], [[Denbighshire]] in November 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-59269916|title=Gay couple receive landmark Church in Wales blessing|first=Harry|last=Farley|date=13 November 2021|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

==== Australia ====
For some years, the [[Anglican Church of Australia]] has debated the blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762 |website=ABC |title=Anglicans in Perth vote to recognise same-sex marriages |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/religionandethicsreport/bishop-of-wangaratta-supports-same-sex-marriage/6816848 |website=ABC |title=Bush Bishop Supports Same-sex Marriages |last=West |first=Andrew |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Currently, the church has no official position on homosexuality.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglican.org.au/home/about/social-issues/Pages/homosexuality.aspx|title=Homosexuality|website=www.anglican.org.au|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-date=2017-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309104152/http://www.anglican.org.au/home/about/social-issues/Pages/homosexuality.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, due to the church's position on marriage, the Primate and Archbishop of Melbourne, [[Philip Freier]], stated in an ''ad clerum'' that clergy cannot perform a same-sex marriage and that "clergy are required to ask their episcopate bishop for guidance as to how to act in specific pastoral circumstances concerning same-sex weddings and celebrations".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/380705315/AD-Clerum-Changes-to-the-Marriage-Law#from_embed|title=AD Clerum Changes to the Marriage Law|website=Scribd|language=en|access-date=2018-06-11}}</ref> The [[Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta|Diocese of Wangaratta]] has voted to bless same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/news/business/5488069/church-says-blessings-should-be-for-same-sex-love-too/|title=Church says blessings should be for same-sex love too|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-06-25|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-06-28|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628124729/https://www.bordermail.com.au/news/business/5488069/church-says-blessings-should-be-for-same-sex-love-too/|archive-date=2018-06-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, the [[Anglican Diocese of Perth|Diocese of Perth]] voted in favour of recognising same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-07/anglicans-in-perth-vote-to-recognise-same-sex-marriages/5002762|title=Perth Anglicans vote to recognise same-sex relationships|date=2013-10-07|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Gippsland]] has appointed an openly gay priest to serve within its parishes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/02/27/3440628.htm|title=Bishop defends gay priest appointment|date=February 27, 2012|website=abc.net.au|publisher=ABC|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/3743587/gay-clergy-tensions-before-anglican-conference/|title=Gay clergy 'tensions' before Anglican conference|last=MCCARTHY|first=JOANNE|date=2016-02-22|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-date=2019-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305103725/https://www.theherald.com.au/story/3743587/gay-clergy-tensions-before-anglican-conference/|url-status=live}}</ref> St. Andrew's Church in Subiaco, Perth has blessed a same-sex union.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-08/christian-priest-running-lgbti-parish-service/7910020|title=Anglican priest running LGBTI parish service in Perth|date=2016-10-08|newspaper=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2016-12-10}}</ref> In 2018, Peter McLeod-Miller, an archdeacon, "conducted an unofficial hand-clasping ceremony at [a same-sex wedding]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5341157/anglican-church-still-equality-free-zone-for-same-sex-couples/|title=Anglican Church still 'equality-free zone' for same-sex couples|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-04-13|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5337492/gary-and-andys-hard-fought-marriage-becomes-a-very-special-day/|title=Gary and Andy's hard-fought marriage becomes 'a very special day'|last=Morgan|first=Shana|date=2018-04-11|work=The Border Mail|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en}}</ref> In 2020, the Appellate Tribunal, the highest church court for the denomination, ruled that a diocese may allow the blessing of same-sex civil marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2020 |title=Wangaratta's same-sex wedding blessing "valid", Australia's highest Church court rules |url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2020/11/wangarattas-same-sex-wedding-blessing-valid-australias-highest-church-court-rules.aspx}}</ref>

==== Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia ====
In 2014, the general synod of the [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia]] passed a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-sex relationships.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thinkinganglicans.org.uk/archives/006576.html |website=Thinking Anglicans |title=New Zealand synod acts on same-gender blessings |last=Sarmiento |first=Simon |date=May 14, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> In the meantime, while blessing rites are being developed, "clergy should be permitted 'to recognise in public worship' a same-gender civil union or state marriage of members of their faith community."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://anglicantaonga.org.nz/News/General-Synod/forward|title=Anglican Taonga : New Zealand's Anglican News Leader|last=Quiqcorp|website=anglicantaonga.org.nz|access-date=2017-06-02}}</ref>

In the [[Anglican Diocese of Auckland|Auckland Diocese]], there are congregations that may offer a "relationship blessing" for two partners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saintcolumbas.org.nz/covenant.php|title=Saint Columba Church – Services|website=www.saintcolumbas.org.nz|access-date=2017-06-02|archive-date=2017-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406115252/http://www.saintcolumbas.org.nz/covenant.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2005, a same-sex couple was joined in a civil union at [[St Matthew's, Auckland|St. Matthew in the City]] in the Auckland diocese.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/27677/civil-union-2005|title=Civil union, 2005|last=Taonga|first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|website=www.teara.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=2017-06-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153151/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/27677/civil-union-2005|archive-date=2017-04-13}}</ref> The [[Anglican Diocese of Dunedin|Dunedin diocese]] also provides a blessing for the relationship of "two people" irrespective of gender.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://calledsouth.org.nz/downloads/liturgical-resources/|title=Liturgical Resources {{!}} CalledSouth|website=calledsouth.org.nz|language=en-US|access-date=2017-06-02}}</ref> In the [[Anglican Diocese of Waiapu|Waiapu Diocese]] the bishop's chaplain has also performed a blessing for a same-sex couple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baybuzz.co.nz/2013/07/08/gay-marriage-coming-to-the-bay/|title=Gay Marriage Coming to the Bay|date=2013-07-08|website=BayBuzz|access-date=2017-06-02|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409021332/https://www.baybuzz.co.nz/2013/07/08/gay-marriage-coming-to-the-bay/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2018 the general synod of the Anglican Church allowed blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509074603/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/05/anglican-church-will-bless-same-sex-relationships.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2018 |website=NewsHub |title=Anglican Church will bless same-sex relationships |last=Baird |first=Alex |date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

==== Anglican Church of Southern Africa ====
Some churches in Africa, "where homosexuals can be legally ordained", "are joining the trend, including the Anglican church in South Africa formerly led by Archbishop [[Desmond Tutu]]".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ucc.org/global-trend-worlds-oldest|title=Global trend: World's oldest Protestant churches now ordain gays and lesbians|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-date=2017-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710184632/http://www.ucc.org/global-trend-worlds-oldest|url-status=dead}}</ref> The denomination also has no official position on homosexuality.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/3226753.stm|title=Anglican Church around the world|date=2008-07-15|newspaper=BBC|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> At the same time, in 2016, "Anglican bishops from across southern Africa have resolved that gay and lesbian partners who enter same-sex civil unions under South African law should be welcomed into congregations as full members of the church".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/south-africa/anglican-church-says-yes-homosexuals|title=Anglican Church says yes to homosexuals|website=www.enca.com|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> In 2016, the [[Diocese of Saldanha Bay]] proposed a motion for the "blessing of same-sex civil unions..."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2016/08/southern-african-synod-to-consider-blessing-same-sex-civil-unions.aspx|title=Southern African synod to consider blessing same-sex civil unions|website=www.anglicannews.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-10-22}}</ref> While the 2016 motion did not pass, the [[Anglican Diocese of Cape Town|Diocese of Cape Town]] tabled a motion urging the bishops "to finalise guidelines on how its leaders should respond to same-sex partnerships of a 'faithful commitment,'..."<ref name="iol.co.za">{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/bishops-to-decide-on-same-sex-anglicans-10864694|title=Bishops to decide on same-sex Anglicans {{!}} IOL News|access-date=2017-10-22|language=en}}</ref> Archbishop [[Thabo Makgoba]] set up, in 2017,  a working committee "… to amend Canon 34 which will enable ministry to those in Same Sex Unions and the LGBTI Community in the context in which ACSA operates in Southern Africa."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.churchnewspaper.com/49159/archives|title=South Africa Church plans to amend marriage Canon – ChurchNewspaper.com|website=www.churchnewspaper.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-10-22|archive-date=2017-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063834/http://www.churchnewspaper.com/49159/archives|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Priests in Saldanha Bay have stated that they will unofficially bless same-sex unions.<ref name="iol.co.za"/> The [[Anglican Diocese of Pretoria|Diocese of Pretoria]] joined Saldanha Bay in supporting same-sex relationships.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/more-ructions-in-anglican-church-over-same-sex-marriage-11238628|title=More ructions in Anglican church over same-sex marriage {{!}} IOL News|access-date=2017-10-22|language=en}}</ref> Much earlier, in 2009, the Cape Town synod voted to "provide pastoral care to gay and lesbian members in 'faithful, committed' same-sex partnerships."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org/2009/08/resolution-of-diocese-of-cape-town-on.html|title=Resolution of the Diocese of Cape Town on Ministry to Gays and Lesbians in Covenanted Partnerships|website=archbishop.anglicanchurchsa.org|access-date=2017-10-22}}</ref> In 2018, the Diocese of Saldanha Bay became the first diocese in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa to officially vote for the blessing of same-sex civil unions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conger |first=George |date=2018-10-31 |title=South African diocese endorses gay blessings |url=https://anglican.ink/2018/10/30/south-african-diocese-endorses-gay-blessings/ |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=Anglican Ink © 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=mmacdonald |date=2022-07-28 |title=With same-sex marriage in the spotlight, where does it stand across the Anglican Communion? |url=https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2022/07/28/with-same-sex-marriage-in-the-spotlight-where-does-it-stand-across-the-anglican-communion/ |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2023, the Synod of Bishops agreed to develop prayers that may be said with same-sex couples, but they did not approve of blessings or marriage for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishops in Southern Africa agree to prayers but not blessings for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/10-march/news/world/bishops-in-southern-africa-agree-to-prayers-but-not-blessings-for-same-sex-couples |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=www.churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paulsen |first=David |date=2023-03-06 |title=Southern Africa bishops OK prayers for same-sex couples, won't offer blessings, marriage |url=https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2023/03/06/southern-africa-bishops-ok-prayers-for-same-sex-couples-wont-offer-blessings-marriage/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba published the draft prayers to be said with same-sex couples for study by the dioceses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Makgoba |first=Thabo |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Archbishop urges Anglicans to study draft prayers for ministry to same-sex couples |url=https://anglicanchurchsa.org/archbishop-urges-anglicans-to-study-draft-prayers-for-ministry-to-same-sex-couples/}}</ref> The drafted prayers include both blessings for same-sex couples as well as prayers acknowledging disagreement with same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LeBlanc |first=Douglas |date=2024-05-09 |title=Eclectic Prayers for Same-Sex South African Couples |url=https://livingchurch.org/news/news-anglican-communion/eclectic-prayers-for-same-sex-south-african-couples/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil ====
The [[Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil|Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil]] permits the ordination of gay and lesbian priests and the blessing of same-sex relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://guiame.com.br/gospel/mundo-cristao/anglicanos-dividem-opinioes-sobre-homossexualidade.html|title=Anglicanos dividem opiniões sobre homossexualidade, Notícias Gospel|last=Guiame|date=26 August 2011|language=pt-BR|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> In 2016, an Extraordinary Synod drafted a proposal for the General Synod of 2017 to amend the marriage canon to include same-sex marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sn.ieab.org.br/2016/06/30/primaz-convoca-gt-sobre-genero-sexualidades-e-direitos/|title=Primaz convoca GT sobre Gênero, Sexualidades e Direitos|publisher=SNIEAB|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819000307/http://sn.ieab.org.br/2016/06/30/primaz-convoca-gt-sobre-genero-sexualidades-e-direitos/|archive-date=2016-08-19|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 1 June 2018 the General Synod voted to change the marriage canon to allow same-sex couples to get married.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://anglican.ink/article/ieab-synod-adopts-aame-sex-marriage-canon|title=IEAB synod adopts same-sex marriage canon|date=2018-06-01|work=Anglican Ink 2018 ©|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605031906/http://anglican.ink/article/ieab-synod-adopts-aame-sex-marriage-canon|archive-date=2018-06-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Old Catholic, Reformed Catholic Churches and Liberal Catholic Church====
Five churches of the [[Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)|Union of Utrecht]], which shares full communion with the Anglican Churches through the [[Bonn Agreement (religion)|Bonn Agreement]], also permit such blessings: namely, [[Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands]] (the mother church) permits blessings of gay civil marriages, and the [[Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ref.ch/rna/meldungen/9295.html |title=Christkatholiken: Segnung für homosexuelle Paare |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321230544/http://www.ref.ch/rna/meldungen/9295.html |archive-date=March 21, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/news-service/vermischtes-people/christkatholische-kirche-will-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare-vor-dem-altar-trauen-ld.1249475 |website=[[Luzerner Zeitung]] |title=Christkatholische Kirche will gleichgeschlechtliche Paare vor dem Altar trauen |language=German |date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> and [[Catholic Diocese of the Old Catholics in Germany]] permit blessings of homosexual [[civil unions]]. The [[Old Catholic Church of Austria]] also permits such blessings. Because of this (as well as the [[ordination of women]]), the [[Polish National Catholic Church]] seceded from the Union in 2003.

Many smaller denominations, such as the Eucharistic Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church (in Sweden)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gammalkatolik.se/ |title=Nu även för nya katoliker |publisher=Gammalkatolik.se |access-date=2013-08-16 |archive-date=2010-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811112923/http://www.gammalkatolik.se/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Old Catholic Church#Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States|TOCCUSA]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toccusa.org/|title=The Old Catholic Church – Province of the United States|website=The Old Catholic Church – Province of the United States|access-date=2021-12-10|archive-date=2021-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210213350/https://toccusa.org/|url-status=dead}}</ref> also solemnize same-sex marriages.

The Old Catholic Church, Province of the United States (TOCCUSA) is a Catholic denomination founded on the ecclesiology of the Old Catholics of the Union of Utrecht.  Old Catholics are progressive when it comes to social issues, yet maintain the rich tradition of the sacramental nature of the Catholic Church. All seven sacraments of the Church are open to any baptized Catholic Christian.  For TOCCUSA, the sacramental nature of same-sex marriages is recognized, thus ensuring that there is no distinction  between the marriages of two persons of the same gender or two persons of opposite genders.  Couples wishing to marry must undergo some pre-marital counseling before the marriage rite takes place.

In October 2022, the [[Old Catholic Church of the Czech Republic]] voted to allow its priests to bless same-sex partnerships.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://denikn.cz/minuta/987341|title=Starokatolická církev schválila možnost žehnání stejnopohlavním partnerství|work=Deník|language=cs|date=14 October 2022}}</ref>

===Presbyterian polities===

====Church of Scotland====

The 2006 [[General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]] voted that blessing civil partnerships should be a matter of conscience for individual ministers. Conservatives in the Kirk argued that the reform would have to be ratified by local presbyteries under the [[Barrier Act]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2198359,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20110604092540/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2198359,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 4, 2011 | work=[[The Times]] | location=London | title=Row over samesex marriage rages on | date=2006-05-28 | access-date=2010-04-26 | first=Fiona | last=Hamilton}}</ref> When the 45 Presbyteries were consulted, only nine voted in favour of allowing ministers to bless civil-partnered (same-sex) couples, and the remaining 36 were against the innovation. Therefore, it was defeated, and is due to be addressed again at the 2013 General Assembly. At its 2011 General Assembly, the Church of Scotland voted to allow openly gay and lesbian Ministers and Diaconal ministers who live in civil unions, provided that they were already ordained and had declared their sexuality before the Scott Rennie case on 23 May 2009.  There remains, however, a Moratorium  on accepting those in same-sex relationships for training, ordination or induction into the Ministry or Diaconate, which may be lifted by the General Assembly of 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Special Commission on Same-Sex Relationships and the Ministry – Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=The Church of Scotland |url=http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/8847/Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6ItCP52tW?url=http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/8847/Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-15 |access-date=2012-06-20 }}</ref>
When asked to respond to the Scottish Government's consultation on same-sex marriage, the Church's Legal Questions Committee submitted a response which upheld a biblical and traditional understanding of marriage as a voluntary lifelong union between one man and one woman (December 2011).  After this, the Church's first openly gay minister, Revd. [[Scott Rennie]], claimed to the press that such ostracisation of homosexuals will empty churches.<ref>{{cite news |title=Church of Scotland 2012 General Assembly: Gay marriage to expose Kirk divisions |newspaper=[[Scotland on Sunday]] |date=20 May 2012 |url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/politics/church-of-scotland-2012-general-assembly-gay-marriage-to-expose-kirk-divisions-1-2306202}}</ref>

In 2016, the General Assembly voted in favor of allowing ministers to enter into same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/21/church-of-scotland-ministers-same-sex-marriages|title=Church of Scotland votes to allow ministers to be in same-sex marriages|agency=Press Association|date=2016-05-21|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> On 25 May 2017, the General Assembly voted in favor of allowing same-sex marriages in Church of Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-40036225 |website=BBC News |title=Kirk's General Assembly moves towards allowing gay marriage |date=25 May 2017 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> In May 2018, the General Assembly passed a vote by 345 to 170, for a motion which tasked a committee with drafting church law on the issue of same-sex marriage. Its Legal Questions Committee has been asked to report back to the decision-making body in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-44180103 |title=Kirk moves closer to gay marriage services |website=BBC News |date=19 May 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> In May 2022 the General Assembly approved the celebration of same-sex marriage in the Church of Scotland.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Church of Scotland general assembly votes to allow same-sex marriages |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/23/church-of-scotland-general-assembly-votes-to-allow-same-sex-marriages |last=Carrell |first=Severin |date=2022-05-23 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

====Presbyterian Church in Ireland ====
In May 2006, a church spokesperson announced that clergy could bless same-gender partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2006/05/official_irish_presbyterian_cl.html|title=BBC – Will & Testament: Official: Irish Presbyterian Clergy Can Bless Gay Partners|last=Crawley|first=William|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> However, that announcement was reversed by General Assembly when it voted to ban its ministers from blessing same-gender partnerships in June 2006.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/presbyterian-church-bans-blessing-of-gay-couples-1.785997|title=Presbyterian church bans blessing of gay couples|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> The [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] is currently strongly opposed to same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/Article/2013-(1)/Presbyterians-Make-Clear-Their-Opposition-To-Same?feed=cfd8e3f5-88c6-46c8-9f48-6f31a698b9b7 |title=Presbyterians Make Clear Their Opposition to Same Sex Marriage |date=April 2, 2013 |website=Presbyterian Church in Ireland |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217185254/https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/Article/2013-(1)/Presbyterians-Make-Clear-Their-Opposition-To-Same?feed=cfd8e3f5-88c6-46c8-9f48-6f31a698b9b7 |archive-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref>

====Presbyterian Church (USA)====
The [[Presbyterian Church USA]] General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission ruled in 2006 that same-sex ceremonies are not forbidden, as long as they are not considered to be the same as marriage services.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.wfn.org/2006/01/msg00291.html |title=wfn.org {{!}} [PCUSANEWS&#93; Austin pastor won't be tried on gay 'marriage' accusation |access-date= 2006-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804123818/http://www.wfn.org/2006/01/msg00291.html |archive-date=2007-08-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  Debate on the issue within the church evolved over the years. In 2000, the General Assembly had approved language for the church constitution that stated church teachings were that people were "to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or in chastity in singleness," and barred church officers and property from being used for blessing or approval upon any other form of fidelity relationship, but ratification for this language was never obtained by the presbyteries. By 2014, the General Assembly passed an Authoritative Interpretation permitting pastors to sign marriage licences for same-gender couples where permitted by civil law in the states where their church was found, which took immediate effect.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/20/us/presbyterians-vote-to-change-definition-of-marriage-to-two-people.html |title=Presbyterians Vote to Allow Same-Sex Marriage |last=Goodstein |first=Laurie |date=June 19, 2014 |website=The New York Times |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620083201/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/20/us/presbyterians-vote-to-change-definition-of-marriage-to-two-people.html |archive-date=June 20, 2014}}</ref>

On March 17, 2015, ratification by a majority of presbyteries was reached on a constitutional amendment passed by that same 2014 General Assembly, which broadened the definition of marriage in the Directory for Worship from only being between "a man and a woman," to "two people, traditionally a man and a woman," thus giving official sanction to, while not making it mandatory for, any congregation's pastor to preside over and bless marriage ceremonies for same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/us/presbyterians-give-final-approval-for-same-sex-marriage.html |title=Largest Presbyterian Denomination Gives Final Approval for Same-Sex Marriage |last=Goodstein |first=Laurie |date=March 17, 2015 |website=The New York Times |access-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316205952/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/us/presbyterians-give-final-approval-for-same-sex-marriage.html |archive-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref>

===Connexional polities===

====Methodism====
There are a variety of responses within Methodism some of which have been favorable to a greater or lesser extent to same-sex unions or marriages.

===== Methodist Church of Great Britain =====
In 2005, the [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]] voted to allow a local option for ministers who wish to perform same-sex blessings, with a Church spokesperson stating that "We have decided, with the law changing in December, we as a Church need to provide guidance to our ministers, who will be allowed to take an individual decision as to whether or not they want to bless gay couples."<ref name="TimesMethodistUK">{{cite news |first=Ruth |last=Gledhill |author-link=Ruth Gledhill |title=Methodists (in UK) will bless gays |url= http://aacblog.classicalanglican.net/archives/000804.html |work=[[The Times]] (of London) |publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] |date=1 July 2005 |access-date=2007-09-08 }}</ref>  In 2006, the Church reversed its decision and prohibited the blessing of same-sex unions on or off church property.<ref name="UMC - British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships">{{cite web |url= http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=1547 |title=British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships |publisher=The United Methodist Church |access-date=2007-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071023044509/http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.content&cmid=1547 |archive-date=October 23, 2007 }}</ref>

In 2014, the church allowed ministers to enter into same-sex marriages and to offer blessing services for same-sex couples in civil marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/11-july/news/uk/methodists-may-bless-but-not-marry-same-sex-couples |title= Methodists may bless but not marry same-sex couples |website= www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.methodist.org.uk/who-we-are/views-of-the-church/human-sexuality/talking-of-marriage-and-relationships/frequently-asked-questions-marriage-and-relationships |title= Frequently Asked Questions – Marriage and Relationships |website= www.methodist.org.uk |access-date= 2016-08-02}}</ref> In 2021, the Methodist Church's conference overwhelmingly voted to allow the marriage of same-sex couples in Methodist churches and by Methodist ministers. Methodists may affirm one of two parallel definitions of marriage: "only between a man and a woman" or "between any two people". No minister shall be compelled to perform same-sex marriages.<ref name="SSM-2021">{{cite news |title=Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in 'momentous' vote |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-57658161 |access-date=30 June 2021 |work=BBC News |date=2021-06-30}}</ref>

===== United Methodist Church =====
On May 3, 2024, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to remove prohibitions against same-sex marriages, allowing congregations and clergy to celebrate same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issues |url=https://apnews.com/article/methodists-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-gay-rights-e3a7677a3b025b07211153179727c255 |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=United Methodists remove same-sex wedding ban |url=https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-remove-same-sex-wedding-ban |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=United Methodist News Service |language=en}}</ref> The vote does not require clergy to perform same-sex marriages, but gives clergy the option to perform same-sex weddings if they choose to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-01 |title=United Methodists overwhelmingly vote to repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/united-methodists-lgbtq-clergy-ban-repeal-vote/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 7, 2018, the Bishops in the UMC, a denomination long divided on questions of LGBT equality, had proposed allowing individual pastors and regional church bodies to decide whether to ordain LGBT clergy and perform same-sex weddings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.advocate.com/religion/2018/5/05/methodist-bishops-back-choice-lgbt-clergy-same-sex-marriage |website=Advocate |title=Methodist Bishops Back Choice on LGBT Clergy, Same-Sex Marriage |last=Ring |first=Trudy |date=May 5, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
The [[United Methodist Church]] previously prohibited celebrations of same-sex unions by its [[Elder (Methodism)|elders]] and in its [[Church (building)|churches]].<ref name="UMC - Homosexuality">{{cite web |url= http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1324 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060406133903/http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1324 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2006-04-06 |title= What is the denomination's position on homosexuality?|publisher= The United Methodist Church |access-date= 2007-06-24}}</ref> The church had already approved of spousal benefits for non-ordained employees in same-sex marriages in states that allow such marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/29/methodist-same-sex-marriage-benefits_n_5235596.html |title=Methodist Church Approves Same-Sex Marriage Benefits |last=Service |first=Lauren Markoe Religion News |date=2014-04-29 |website= The Huffington Post |access-date= 2016-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://religionnews.com/2014/04/29/methodists-approve-sex-marriage-benefits |title= Methodists approve same-sex marriage benefits |website= Religion News Service |date= 29 April 2014 |access-date= 2016-08-02}}</ref>

Prior to the repeal of the prohibitions, some [[Central Conferences (United Methodist Church)|Jurisdictions]] and [[Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church|Annual Conferences]] had begun to ordain gay and lesbian pastors and same-sex marriages or have passed resolutions supporting such ceremonies. The Baltimore-Washington, California-Nevada, California-Pacific, Desert Southwest, Detroit, Greater New Jersey, Great Plains, Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa, Minnesota, New England, New York, Northern Illinois, Oregon-Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Southwest Texas, Upper New York, Virginia, West Michigan, and Wisconsin Annual Conferences have passed resolutions supporting same-sex couples or the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.nyac.com/newsdetail/new-england-south-georgia-differ-on-gay-clergy-5073383 |title= New England, South Georgia differ on gay clergy |website= www.nyac.com |access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/conferences-reject-churchs-stance-on-gays |title= Conferences reject church's stance on gays – The United Methodist Church |last= Communications |first= United Methodist |website= The United Methodist Church |access-date= 2016-08-02 |archive-date= 2018-06-24 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180624090213/http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/conferences-reject-churchs-stance-on-gays |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://umc-gbcs.org/faith-in-action/annual-conferences-report |title= Annual conferences report {{!}} gbcs |website= umc-gbcs.org |access-date=2016-08-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160814170105/https://umc-gbcs.org/faith-in-action/annual-conferences-report |archive-date= 2016-08-14 }}</ref>

In 2016, the New York Annual Conference ordained the denomination's first openly gay and lesbian clergy.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.nyac.com/newsdetail/33-ordained-commissioned-by-new-york-conference-5012427 |title=27 Ordained, Commissioned in "Historic" Service |website= www.nyac.com |access-date= 2016-08-02}}</ref> Following those ordinations, the Western Jurisdiction elected and consecrated the church's first openly gay and partnered bishop.,<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/western-jurisdiction-elects-openly-gay-united-methodist-bishop |title= Western Jurisdiction elects openly gay United Methodist bishop – The United Methodist Church |last= Communications |first= United Methodist |website= The United Methodist Church |access-date= 2016-08-02 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160717170248/http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/western-jurisdiction-elects-openly-gay-united-methodist-bishop |archive-date= 2016-07-17 |url-status= dead }}</ref> for example [[Karen Oliveto]] and [[Cedrick Bridgeforth]].

===== African Methodist Episcopal Church =====
The [[African Methodist Episcopal Church]], which is in full communion with the UMC, currently prohibits its ministers from officiating same-sex weddings, but it does not have an official policy on gay pastors and, therefore, gay ministers have been ordained in the AME.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Hahn |first1= Heather |title= Gay pastor's removal brings sadness, defiance |url= http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/gay-pastors-removal-brings-sadness-defiance |website= www.umc.org |publisher= United Methodist Church |access-date= November 26, 2015 |archive-date= April 24, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180424231616/http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/gay-pastors-removal-brings-sadness-defiance |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===== Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina =====
The [[Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina]] allows "the freedom to accompany homosexual couples" in ministry.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.elciudadanoweb.com/hay-libertad-para-acompanar-a-las-parejas-homosexuales |title= Hay libertad para acompañar a las parejas homosexuales |date= 19 January 2014 |access-date= 2016-08-02}}</ref> Each congregation is, therefore, free to determine its own policy.

===== Evangelical Methodist Church in Uruguay =====
The [[Evangelical Church of Uruguay in Uruguay|Evangelical Church in Uruguay]], a Methodist denomination, has "resolved that pastors that wish to minister to homosexuals may do so freely".<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.laotravozdigital.com/discriminacion-sexual-avances-y-retrocesos-de-las-iglesias-protestantes-historicas/|title=DISCRIMINACIÓN SEXUAL: AVANCES Y RETROCESOS DE LAS IGLESIAS PROTESTANTES HISTÓRICAS – La Otra Voz Digital|date=29 April 2010|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> Each pastor is free to provide blessing services for same-sex unions if he or she chooses to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.republica.com.uy/bendecidos-por-el-clerigo/519053/|title=Bendecidos por el clérigo Frontán|date=2015-05-31|language=es-ES|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630081947/http://www.republica.com.uy/bendecidos-por-el-clerigo/519053/|archive-date=2016-06-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===== Methodist Church of New Zealand =====
In 2004, the [[Methodist Church of New Zealand]] approved the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy; each congregation is able to determine its own position on the issue.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3591533|title=Methodists say yes to ordaining homosexuals|date=2004-09-15|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref>

===== Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche, the United Methodist Church in Germany =====
In November 2022, the ''Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche'' in Germany allowed blessing ceremonies for same-sex marriages.<ref>[https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/208877/29-11-2022/gewissen-kann-ein-veto-sein-deutsche-methodisten-fuer-segnung-homosexueller-paare Evangelisch.de: Deutsche Methodisten für Segnung homosexueller Ehepaare], November 2022</ref>

===Congregational polities===
====Baptist Churches====
Some Baptist denominations in the United States do not have official beliefs about [[marriage]] in a [[confession of faith]] and invoke [[congregationalism]] to leave the choice to each church to decide.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 503</ref><ref>Bill J. Leonard, ''Baptists in America'', Columbia University Press, USA, 2005, p. 243</ref> This is the case of [[American Baptist Churches USA]], [[Progressive National Baptist Convention]], [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] and [[National Baptist Convention, USA]]. Most denominations however remain conservative, believing in what they describe as 'traditional' marriage between one man and one woman.<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 519</ref>

Some Baptist denominations supports same-sex marriage. The [[Alliance of Baptists]] (USA),<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2020, p. 14</ref> the Aliança de Batistas do Brasil,<ref>Renato Cavallera, [https://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/alianca-batista-aprova-uniao-gay-boa-nova-20090.html Aliança batista aprova o reconhecimento da união gay no Brasil e afirma que é uma "boa nova"], noticias.gospelmais.com.br, Brazil, May 25, 2011</ref> the Fraternidad de Iglesias Bautistas de Cuba,<ref>Javier Roque Martínez, [https://newsweekespanol.com/2022/02/cristianismo-no-papel-relevante-gobierno-cubano/ 'El cristianismo no jugará un papel relevante en la oposición al gobierno cubano'], newsweekespanol.com, Mexico, February 17, 2022</ref> and the [[Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists]] (international).<ref>William H. Brackney, ''Historical Dictionary of the Baptists'', Scarecrow Press, USA, 2009, p. 603</ref>

==== Quakers ====
The first recorded same-sex marriage by a [[Quaker]] meeting in the US was in 1987. In January, 1987, Morningside Monthly Meeting of the [[Society of Friends]], in the [[Morningside Heights]] neighborhood of [[New York City]], became the first [[Quaker]] Meeting to treat same-sex marriage and opposite-sex marriage equally, and the first to take a same-sex marriage (using the word marriage, rather than "commitment ceremony") on May 30, 1987.<ref>{{cite web|last=Leuze|first=Sarah|title=Morningside Meeting: A Historical Sketch|url=http://www.morningsidemeeting.org/html/MorningsideHistory.html|access-date=22 August 2012|date=May 2002|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126113149/http://morningsidemeeting.org/html/MorningsideHistory.html|archive-date=26 November 2013}}</ref>

Same-sex couples have been married under the care of many "unprogrammed" [[Quaker]] meetings in Canada since 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cfsc.quaker.ca/pages/documents/BriefC-38.pdf |title=Submission to the Legislative Committee on Bill C-38 (CC38) |publisher=Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers) |date=April 10, 2005 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922132716/http://cfsc.quaker.ca/pages/documents/BriefC-38.pdf |archive-date=September 22, 2007}}</ref> In Australia, Canberra Quaker meeting celebrated the marriage of two gay men on 15 April 2007.<ref>Canberra Quakers: Newsletter of the Religious Society of Friends Canberra Region, May 2007, p2</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rn/religionreport/stories/2007/1937145.htm |title=First Quaker gay marriage in Australia |date=May 23, 2007 |website=ABC |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quakers.org.au/about_equality.shtml#quakers |title=Australian Quakers and homosexuality |website=Quakers and Equality |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709045540/http://www.quakers.org.au/about_equality.shtml#quakers |archive-date=July 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quakers.org.au/files/pamphlets/G&L3.pdf |title=Gay and lesbian people in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia |date=2006 |publisher=Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829074501/http://www.quakers.org.au/files/pamphlets/G%26L3.pdf |archive-date=August 29, 2007}}</ref> Australian Quakers are prepared to celebrate same-sex marriages despite the lack of legal recognition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsmaker.com.au/news/2189 |title=Quakers call for legal recognition of same sex marriages |date=January 11, 2010 |website=Newsmaker |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> See [[Quaker views of homosexuality]]

In 2009, the [[Britain Yearly Meeting|Yearly Meeting]] of the [[Religious Society of Friends]] ([[Quakers]]) in [[Great Britain]], the [[Channel Islands]] and the [[Isle of Man]] decided to authorise same-sex marriage, having previously performed blessings for same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2009/aug/03/quaker-gay-marriage?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |website=The Guardian |title=Quakers make the right decision |last=Hartill |first=Rosemary |date=August 3, 2009 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8177536.stm | work=BBC News | title=Quakers 'to allow gay marriages' | date=2009-07-30}}</ref> In [[Australia]],  the 2010 Yearly Meeting called on the Federal Government to amend the Australian Marriage Act to give full and equal legal recognition to all marriages, regardless of the sexual orientation and gender of the partners. Australian Quakers had been blessing same-sex unions since 1994.<ref name="Quakers call for legal recognition of same sex marriages">{{cite news |title=Quakers call for legal recognition of same sex marriages |url= http://www.newsmaker.com.au/news/2189 |access-date= 2012-07-10 |newspaper= Newsmaker |date= 2010-01-11 }}</ref> 
The [[Canada]] Yearly Meeting stated in 2003 that Canadian Quakers "support the right of same-sex couples to a civil marriage and the extension of the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples."<ref>{{cite web |last=Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers) |title=Letter to Members of the House of Commons and of the Senate |url= http://www.equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=423 |access-date= 2012-07-10 }}</ref> Since then a number of same-sex marriages have been performed at Canadian Monthly Meetings.  In [[New Zealand]], the Aotearoa Quaker Meeting in 1995 pledged "to seek formal ways of recognizing a variety of commitments, including gay and lesbian partnerships."<ref>{{cite web |last= Religious Tolerance.org |title=Statements by the Society of Friends (Quakers) |url= http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_quak.htm#nz |access-date= 2012-07-10}}</ref>

====United Church of Christ====
Varies by church. The [[General Synod]] of the [[United Church of Christ]] has passed a resolution affirming "equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender and declares that the government should not interfere with couples regardless of gender who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of legally recognized marriage".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ucc.org/assets/pdfs/2005-equal-marriage-rights-for-all-1.pdf |title=Equal Marriage Rights for All |publisher=United Church of Christ |date=July 4, 2005 |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> At its 25th General Synod in 2005, the UCC passed the resolution, "Equal Marriage Rights for All".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ucc.org/lgbt/issues/marriage-equality/ |title=Marriage Equality |publisher=Ucc.org |access-date=2013-08-16 |archive-date=2014-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230234443/http://www.ucc.org/lgbt/issues/marriage-equality |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the [[Ecclesiastical polity|polity]] of the UCC is [[Congregationalist polity|congregationalist]], so of each church has a different way of operating. (The General Synod does not have authority over Local Churches to determine or enforce denominational doctrine)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ucc.org/about-us/constitution-of-the-ucc.html |title=Constitution and Bylaws |website=United Church of Christ |quote=The basic unit of the life and organization of the United Church of Christ is the Local Church... Nothing in this constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ shall destroy or limit the right of each Local Church to continue to operate in the way customary to it; nor shall be construed as giving to the General Synod, or to any Conference or Association now, or at any future time, the power to abridge or impair the autonomy of any Local Church in the management of its own affairs |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427100517/http://www.ucc.org/about-us/constitution-of-the-ucc.html |archive-date=April 27, 2011}}</ref>

====Canadian Unitarian Council====
{{See also|Religious views on same-sex marriage#Unitarian Universalists and Unitarians|Unitarian Universalism and LGBT topics}}
Canadian Unitarian churches perform same-sex marriage as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cuc.ca/weddings/ |title=Weddings |website=Canadian Unitarian Council |date=13 February 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

====Unitarian Universalist Association====
{{See also|Religious views on same-sex marriage#Unitarian Universalists and Unitarians|Unitarian Universalism and LGBT topics}}
[[Unitarian Universalists]] perform same-sex marriages, and have supported marriage equality since 1973,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/witness/marriage/index.shtml |title=Marriage Equality |website=Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations |date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910052504/http://www.uua.org/lgbtq/witness/marriage/index.shtml |archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref> reaffirming with a formal resolution in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/socialjustice/statements/14251.shtml |title=Support of the Right to Marry for Same-Sex Couples – 1996 Resolution of Immediate of Witness |date=July 1, 1996 |website=Unitarian Universalist Association |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

====Metropolitan Community Church====
The predominantly gay [[Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches]] performs same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mccchurch.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsandInitiatives/MarriageEquality/Marriage_Equality.htm |title=Marriage Equality |website=Metropolitan Community Churches |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010071728/http://www.mccchurch.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsandInitiatives/MarriageEquality/Marriage_Equality.htm |archive-date=October 10, 2007}}</ref>

====Mennonite Church====
The [[Mennonites in the Netherlands|Mennonite Church in the Netherlands]] offers marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ambs.edu/ljohns/H&MC.htm |title=Homosexuality and the Mennonite Church |last=Johns |first=Loren L |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005125238/http://www.ambs.edu/ljohns/H%26MC.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2008}}</ref>

The [[Mennonite Church Canada]] offers marriage to both heterosexual and same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://themennonite.org/daily-news/first-mc-canada-officiated-sex-marriage-saskatchewan/ |title=First MC Canada-officiated same-sex marriage |last=Bergen |first=Rachel |date=January 6, 2015 |website=Anabaptist World |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803133045/https://themennonite.org/daily-news/first-mc-canada-officiated-sex-marriage-saskatchewan/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Remonstrants====
The [[Remonstrants]] perform weddings for both heterosexual and same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4324/nieuws/article/detail/1086030/2010/01/25/Remonstranten-en-Boomsma-krijgen-homo-emancipatieprijs.dhtml |title=Remonstranten en Boomsma krijgen homo-emancipatieprijs |website=deVerdieping Trouw |date=January 25, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105104850/http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4324/Nieuws/article/detail/1086030/2010/01/25/Remonstranten-en-Boomsma-krijgen-homo-emancipatieprijs.dhtml |archive-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref>

====Pentecostalism====
Most Pentecostal churches do not affirm gay marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_pent.htm |title=The Pentecostal Group of Denominations |website=Religious Tolerance |quote=Otherwise, their beliefs and practices are similar to those of other conservative Christians. They strongly oppose abortion access, equality for sexual minorities, and same-sex marriage |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

The [[Affirming Pentecostal Church International]] and the [[Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals]] are US based denominations of [[Oneness Pentecostals]] that will perform weddings for both heterosexual and same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.affirmingapostolic.com/ |title=Homepage |website=Global Alliance of Affirming Apostolic Pentecostals |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424032025/http://www.affirmingapostolic.com/Home.html |archive-date=April 24, 2010}}</ref>

==== Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ====
In mainline [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]] blessing of same-sex unions are allowed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article132057237/Lesbisches-Paar-heiratet-nach-72-Jahren.html |newspaper=Die Welt |title=Lesbisches Paar heiratet nach 72 Jahren |last=Czienskowski |first=Paulina |language=German |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.queer.de/bild-des-tages.php?einzel=882 |website=Queer.de |title=Zum Heiraten ist es nie zu spät |date=September 8, 2014 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

===Mixed-polity and other polity===

==== Moravian Church (North America) ====
The [[Moravian Church]] in North America's Northern Province has passed several liberal resolutions on homosexuality, but has not yet been able to "address the issue of a marriage covenant between homosexual persons".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcnp.org/Documents/Resolution_6_booklet.pdf |title=An Interpretation of Moravian Church Northern Province and Unity Synod Actions Regarding Homosexuality |publisher=Provincial Elders' Converence, Northern Province |date=January 4, 2003 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616073644/http://www.mcnp.org/Documents/Resolution_6_booklet.pdf |archive-date=June 16, 2006}}</ref>

====Swedenborgianism====
The [[Swedenborgian Church of North America]] allows ministers to choose whether to perform same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.swedenborg.org/documents/conventionjournal2004online.pdf |journal=Journal of the Swedenbourgian Church |title=Convention 2004 Minutes |date=2004 |page=37 |volume=182 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324190806/http://www.swedenborg.org/documents/conventionjournal2004online.pdf |archive-date=March 24, 2006}}</ref> Ministers of the [[General Church of the New Jerusalem]] are not permitted to marry or bless same-sex unions.<ref>General Church Clergy Handbook, p31</ref>

==== New Apostolic Church ====
Since 2011 in Europe the [[New Apostolic Church]] allows blessings in a prayer for same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nak-nrw.de/aktuelles/kurznotiert/111223_segensgebet-fuer-eingetragene-partnerschaften/ |title=Segensgebet für eingetragene Partnerschaften |date=December 23, 2011 |language=German |website=Neuapostolische Kirche Nordrhein-Westfalen |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426071225/http://www.nak-nrw.de/aktuelles/kurznotiert/111223_segensgebet-fuer-eingetragene-partnerschaften/ |archive-date=April 26, 2012}}</ref>

==== Uniting and uniting churches ====
=====Australia=====
In [[Australia]] the [[Uniting Church in Australia]] allows blessing of same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unitingnetworkaustralia.org.au/resources/UN%20NSW%20Gay%20and%20Lesbian%20Couples.pdf |title=Gay and Lesbian Couples: prayers and blessings? |access-date=April 18, 2021 |publisher=UnitingNetworkAustralia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218235427/http://www.unitingnetworkaustralia.org.au/resources/UN%20NSW%20Gay%20and%20Lesbian%20Couples.pdf |archive-date=February 18, 2011}}</ref> On 13 July 2018, the Uniting Church in Australia voted by national Assembly to approve the creation of official marriage rites for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sandeman |first=John |date=13 July 2018 |title=Uniting Church to hold same sex marriages |url=https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/uniting-church-to-hold-same-sex-marriage/ |work=Eternity |location=Australia |access-date=13 July 2018 }}</ref>

=====Netherlands=====
The [[Protestant Church in the Netherlands]] has chosen not to address marriage in its post-merger canon law; however, the by-laws of the church allow for the blessing of relationships outside of marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.protestantchurch.nl/default.asp?rIntNavMotherNavId=938&inc=info&rIntNavId=938&rIntId=1649 |title=The Uniting Protestant Churches in the Netherlands and Homosexuality |website=The Protestant Church in the Netherlands |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311163716/http://www.protestantchurch.nl/default.asp?rIntNavMotherNavId=938&inc=info&rIntNavId=938&rIntId=1649 |archive-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref>

=====Canada=====
Due to its "local option", a number of congregations and ministers of the [[United Church of Canada]] (a merger of Congregationalist, Presbyterian and Methodist congregations in Canada following presbyterian polity) officiate at same-sex marriages, which are fully legal in [[Canada]].

=====United Kingdom=====
In 2011, the [[United Reformed Church]] allowed blessings of same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16813 |title=United Reformed Church votes to host same-sex civil partnerships |date=July 8, 2018 |website=Ekklesia |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> In July 2016, the United Reformed Church allowed same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-36756387 |website=BBC News |title=United Reformed Church approves gay marriage services |last=May |first=Callum |date=July 9, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

=====France=====
In France, the two main Protestant churches ([[United Protestant Church of France]] since 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/societe/mariage/l-eglise-protestante-unie-de-france-autorise-la-benediction-des-couples-homosexuels_908389.html|title=L'Eglise protestante unie de France autorise la bénédiction des couples homosexuels |date=May 17, 2015 |website=France Info |access-date=February 19, 2024}}</ref> and the [[Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine]] in 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lalsace.fr/region/2019/11/19/feu-vert-protestant-a-la-benediction-des-couples-homosexuels|title=Feu vert protestant à la bénédiction des couples homosexuels  |date=November 19, 2019 |website=L'Alsace |access-date=February 19, 2024}}</ref>) both allow the willing parishes to bless same-sex marriages.

===Other denominations around the world===
====Austria====

*[[Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria|Evangelical Church in Austria]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://evang.at/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/091107Generalsyndoe_gleichgeschlechtlichePartnerschaften_01.pdf|title=Resolution betreffend gleichgeschlechtlicher Partnerschaften|date=2009|website=evang.at|publisher=Evangelical Church A.u.H.B in Austria|access-date=August 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kurier.at/chronik/oesterreich/evangelische-synode-will-homosexueller-paare-oeffentlich-segnen/400430599 |website=Kurier |title=Evangelische Kirche will homosexuelle Ehepaare künftig segnen |language=German |date=March 9, 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (Germany)|Evangelical Lutheran Free Church]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://huk.org/aktuell/segnung-uebersicht.htm |title=HuK |access-date=2006-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061009183326/http://www.huk.org/aktuell/segnung-uebersicht.htm |archive-date=2006-10-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Reformed Church in Austria]] (since 1998/since 2019 blessing of marriages)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kurier.at/chronik/oesterreich/evangelisch-reformierte-kirche-oeffnet-trauung-fuer-homosexuelle/400437685 |website=Kurier |title=Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche in Österreich öffnet Trauung für homosexuelle Ehepaare |language=German |date=March 16, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref>

====Belgium====

* [[United Protestant Church in Belgium]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://holebi.info/phpnews/kortnews.php?action=fullnews&id=4179 |title=Verenigde Protestantse Kerk staat inzegening homohuwelijk toe |language=Dutch |date=2007 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093603/http://holebi.info/phpnews/kortnews.php?action=fullnews&id=4179 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Canada====

The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada]] has permitted the blessing of same-sex unions since July 2011. The [[Lutheran Church–Canada]] does not permit the blessing of same-sex unions. The LC-C stance is consonant with that of its American sister church, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

The governing council of The United Church of Canada welcomes same-sex marriage, but individual United Church congregations are responsible for making decisions locally. Marriages are performed with the permission and under the responsibility of the local congregation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.united-church.ca/exploring/orientation/ |title=Sexual Orientation &#124; The United Church of Canada |publisher=United-church.ca |date=2013-06-24 |access-date=2013-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811200814/http://www.united-church.ca/exploring/orientation |archive-date=2013-08-11 }}</ref>

====Czech Republic====
The [[Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren]] has permitted the blessing of same-sex unions since May 2023. <ref>[https://english.radio.cz/churchs-move-allow-blessing-same-sex-unions-shows-believers-really-support-8784418 Church’s move to allow blessing of same-sex unions shows believers “really support equality”], 29 May 2023</ref> The [[Czechoslovak Hussite Church]] has permitted the blessing of same-sex unions.

====Denmark====
In November 2011, the Government of [[Denmark]] announced that there will be same-sex religious marriage available in the [[Church of Denmark]] as part of the broader legislative move to recognise same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cphpost.dk/news/national/88-national/52556-church-weddings-for-gays-proposed.html |title=Church Weddings for gays Proposed |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=The Copenhagen Post Online |date=November 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130074536/http://cphpost.dk/news/national/88-national/52556-church-weddings-for-gays-proposed.html |archive-date=November 30, 2011}}</ref> A similar debate is currently underway in the [[Church of Iceland]] following legislation to permit same-sex marriage in [[Iceland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/community/2009/06/23/making-gay-life-in-iceland-richer/14023 |title=Making gay life in Iceland richer |date=23 June 2009 |publisher=Star Observer |access-date=2013-08-16}}</ref>

The [[Church of Denmark]] (in full communion with the Anglican Churches of the British Isles through the [[Porvoo Communion]]) now performs blessings of same-sex couples.<ref name="queer.de">{{cite web |url=http://www.queer.de/news_detail.php?article_id=6597&PHPSESSID=3cafe13460195a8418207a5dbcfa2962 |title=Homo-ehen in schwedischen Kirchen |date=March 19, 2007 |website=Queer.de |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

==== Finland ====
In the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]], church law defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Finnish Church rejects same-sex unions, two definitions of marriage |date=2025-05-09 |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20160784 |work=Yle}}</ref> However, there are special prayers for same-sex couples following a civil union or marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.towleroad.com/2010/11/finlands-state-church-to-sanction-prayer-for-gay-marriages/|title=Finland's State Church to Sanction Prayer for Gay Marriages – Towleroad|date=2010-11-12|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> The archbishop supports these prayers and has "called for the church to take a clear and unequivocal stance in support of gay and lesbian couples".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.episcopalcafe.com/laity_drive_finnish_lutherans_to_recognize_same_sex_marriages/|title=Laity drive Finnish Lutherans to recognize same-sex marriages|date=2010-11-13|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> Some bishops are willing to ordain gay and lesbian pastors.<ref name=":1" />

====France====
The [[United Protestant Church of France]] performs blessings of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20150517-french-protestant-church-authoriese-gay-marriages |title=Radio France:French Protestant church authorises gay marriages, 2015 |access-date=2015-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724214210/http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20150517-french-protestant-church-authoriese-gay-marriages |archive-date=2015-07-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The [[Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine]] allowed blessings of same-sex marriages in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/blickzumnachbarn/frankreich/protestantische-kirchallpwede-im-elsas-und-lothringen-erlaubt-segnung-von-homo-ehen_aid-47294897?output=amp |title=Segnung von Homo-Ehen im Elsass erlaubt |date=November 19, 2019 |website=Saarbrücker Zeitung |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

==== Luxembourg ====
Both the [[Protestant Reformed Church of Luxembourg]] and the [[Protestant Church of Luxembourg]] allow the blessing of same-sex marriages.

====Germany====

All 20 [[Lutheran]], [[United and uniting churches|United]] and [[Reformed tradition|Reformed]] churches within the [[Evangelical Church in Germany]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.huk.org/cms/front_content.php?idart=352 |title=HUK: Möglichkeiten der kirchlichen Segnung gleichgeschlechtlicher Paare (german) |access-date=2017-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617220836/https://www.huk.org/cms/front_content.php?idart=352 |archive-date=2017-06-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/111225/20-11-2014/segnung-homosexueller-bunt-wie-ein-regenbogen |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Segnung homosexueller Paare, Bunt wie ein Regenbogen |language=German |last1=Cechtold |first1=Markus |last2=Kampft |first2=Anne |last3=Sussmann |first3=Johannes |date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> perform blessings of same-sex marriages.
On November 9, 2019 [[Union of Evangelical Churches]] allowed blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/162309/09-11-2019/uek-ordnung-fuer-die-trauung-von-ehepaaren-gleichen-geschlechts |title=Ordnung für die Trauung von Ehepaaren gleichen Geschlechts |last=Bechtold |first=Markus |date=November 9, 2019 |website=Evangelisch |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

*[[Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ekhn.de/glaube/trauung/segnung-gleichgeschlechtlicher.html |title=EKHN:Segnung gleichgeschlechtlicher Paare (german) |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410180625/http://www.ekhn.de/glaube/trauung/segnung-gleichgeschlechtlicher.html |archive-date=2016-04-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.evangelische-sonntagszeitung.de/eastrt/news/aus-segnung-wird-trauung.html|title=Evangelische Sonntagszeitung|website=www.evangelische-sonntagszeitung.de}}</ref>
*[[Protestant Church of Bremen]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kirche-bremen.de/feiern/segnung.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623012510/http://www.kirche-bremen.de/feiern/segnung.html |title=Protestant Church of Bremen|archive-date=June 23, 2007}}</ref>
*[[Protestant Lutheran State Church of Brunswick]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://huk.org/texte/braunschweig-synode-2003.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822003631/http://huk.org/texte/braunschweig-synode-2003.htm |title=Protestant Lutheran State Church of Brunswick|archive-date=August 22, 2007}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/111416/27-11-2014/hannoversche-landeskirche-will-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare-segnen |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Hannoversche Landeskirche will gleichgeschlechtliche Paare segnen |date=November 27, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/156303/16-05-2019/hannoversche-landeskirche-oeffnet-homosexuellen-den-weg-zum-traualtar |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Hannoversche Landeskirche öffnet Homosexuellen den Weg zum Traualtar |date=May 16, 2019 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nordkirche.de/pressestelle/pressemitteilungen/detail/bericht-zur-segnung-eingetragener-lebenspartnerschaften.html |title=Bericht zur Segnung eingetragener Lebenspartnerschaften |website=Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Norddeutschland |date=February 27, 2016 |last=Meyer |first=Christian |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=25663 |website=Queer.de |title=Nordkirche: Schwule und Lesben bekommen Recht auf Segnung |language=German |date=February 28, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nordkirche.de/nachrichten/nachrichten-detail/nachricht/segnung-gleichgeschlechtlicher-paare-ist-trauung/ |title=Segnung gleichgeschlechtlicher Paare ist Trauung |language=German |date=September 20, 2019 |website=Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Norddeutschland |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
** former [[North Elbian Evangelical Church]]<ref>[http://nordelbien.de/glaube/kirchenabc/abc.lexikon/abc.search/one.abc/index.html?entry=page.abc.589 North Elbian Evangelical Church] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928015911/http://nordelbien.de/glaube/kirchenabc/abc.lexikon/abc.search/one.abc/index.html?entry=page.abc.589 |date=2007-09-28 }}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oldenburg]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ev-kirche-oldenburg.com/kirche_struktur/themen/Synode/f5.%20Tagung%20der%2046.%20Synode.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212733/http://www.ev-kirche-oldenburg.com/kirche_struktur/themen/Synode/f5.%20Tagung%20der%2046.%20Synode.asp |title=Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oldenburg|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>[https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/oldenburg_ostfriesland/Oldenburgische-Kirche-beschliesst-Trauung-fuer-alle,synode290.html NDR.de: Oldenburgische Kirche beschließt Trauuung für alle] (German)</ref>
*[[Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ekbo.de/7517_11723.php?liste=ja&seiten_id=11482&nav_id= |title=SYNODE ERMÖGLICHT FÜRBITT- UND SEGENSANDACHTEN FÜR MENSCHEN IN GLEICHGESCHLECHTLICHEN LEBENSPARTNERSCHAFTEN |website=Evangelische Kirche Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz |date=November 16, 2011 |language=German |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214201/http://www.ekbo.de/7517_11723.php?liste=ja&seiten_id=11482&nav_id= |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/evangelische-landeskirche-berlin-brandenburg-homo-ehe-in-der-kirche-ab-2016-moeglich/11689068.html |website=Der Tagesspiegel |title=Homo-Ehe in der Kirche ab 2016 möglich |date=April 25, 2015 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bz-berlin.de/berlin/ab-1-juli-koennen-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare-heiraten-wie-mann-und-frau |website=Berliner Zeitung |title=Ab 1. Juli können gleichgeschlechtliche Paare heiraten wie Mann und Frau |date=April 9, 2016 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Protestant Church of Westphalia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ekvw.de/Gleichgeschlechtliche.491.0.html |title=Gleichgeschlechtliche Lebenspartnerschaften |website=Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen |language=German |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510223607/http://www.ekvw.de/Gleichgeschlechtliche.491.0.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch-in-westfalen.de/aktuelles/detailansicht/news/gottes-segen-gilt-fuer-alle-ehepaare/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=714f8d06b84336ca72713d8b66416cb4 |title=Neu: Trauung auch für gleichgeschlechtliche Ehepaare und konfessionslose Ehepartner, "Gottes Segen gilt für alle Ehepaare" |website=Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423073136/https://www.evangelisch-in-westfalen.de/aktuelles/detailansicht/news/gottes-segen-gilt-fuer-alle-ehepaare/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=714f8d06b84336ca72713d8b66416cb4 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/162737/20-11-2019/westfaelische-kirche-stellt-trauung-von-homo-paaren-mit-ehe-gleich |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Westfälische Kirche stellt Trauung von Homo-Paaren mit Ehe gleich |date=20 November 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nw.de/nachrichten/zwischen_weser_und_rhein/22619383_Homosexuelle-Paare-koennen-sich-in-Westfalen-bald-kirchlich-trauen-lassen.html |website=Neue Westfälische |title=Landeskirche von Westfalen stellt Homosexuelle vor Traualtar gleich |last=Gladow |first=Judith |date=20 November 2019 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Protestant Church of the Palatinate]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.evpfalz.de/lkirche/synode/lk_syn_2002-2_homo_schad.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915014946/http://www.evpfalz.de/lkirche/synode/lk_syn_2002-2_homo_schad.htm |title=Protestant Church of the Palatinate (german)|archive-date=September 15, 2005}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Church in the Rhineland]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ekvw.de/Gleichgeschlechtliche.491.0.html |title=Gleichgeschlechtliche Lebenspartnerschaften |website=Eangelische Kirche von Westfalen |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510223607/http://www.ekvw.de/Gleichgeschlechtliche.491.0.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/evangelische-kirche-im-rheinland-will-homosexuelle-trauen-a-1072246.html |website=Spiegel |title=Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland will Homosexuelle trauen |language=German |date=January 15, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/2016-01/gleichgeschlechtliche-ehe-homsexuelle-evangelische-kirche |newspaper=Die Zeit |title=Rheinische Landeskirche traut Homosexuelle |language=German |date=January 15, 2016 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Church in Central Germany]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mz-web.de/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=ksta/page&atype=ksArtikel&aid=1353757585626&openMenu=987490165154&calledPageId=987490165154&listid=994342720546 |website=Mitteldeutsche Zeitung |title=Gleichgeschlechtliche Paare können Verbindung segnen lassen |date=November 24, 2012 |language=German |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212191241/http://www.mz-web.de/mitteldeutschland/synode-der-ekm-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare-koennen-verbindung-segnen-lassen,20641266,21202446.html |archive-date=February 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evangelisch.de/themen/religion/mitteldeutsche-kirche-%C3%B6ffnet-pfarrh%C3%A4user-f%C3%BCr-homosexuelle31227 |title=Mittledeutsche Kirche öffnet Pfarrhäuser für Homosexuelle |language=German |date=January 11, 2011 |website=Evangelisch.de |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719003346/http://www.evangelisch.de/themen/religion/mitteldeutsche-kirche-%C3%B6ffnet-pfarrh%C3%A4user-f%C3%BCr-homosexuelle31227 |archive-date=July 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/163041/28-11-2019/mitteldeutsche-landeskirche-regelt-segnung-homosexueller-paare-neu |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Mitteldeutsche Landeskirche regelet Trauung homosexueller Paare neu |language=German |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Church of Hesse Electorate-Waldeck]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.osthessen-news.de/beitrag_A.php?id=1206449 |website=Osthessen-News |title=Synode für öffentliche Segnung von Paaren in eingetragenen Lebenspartnerschaft |date=November 24, 2011 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ekkw.de/synode/24611.htm |title=EKKW.de:Traugesetz gilt in Kurhessen-Waldeck künftig auch für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare (german) |access-date=2018-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509220745/http://www.ekkw.de/synode/24611.htm |archive-date=2018-05-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Reformed Church in Bavaria and Northwestern Germany]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gn-online.de/Nachrichten/Die-Kirche-hat-ein-Zeichen-gesetzt-69932.html |website=Grafschafter Nachrichten |title=Die Kirche hat ein Zeichen gesetzt |date=June 5, 2014 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.reformiert.de/nachricht/items/trauordnung-auch-fuer-homosexuelle-paare.html |title=Reformiert.de: Trauung auch für homosexuelle Paare (german) |access-date=2017-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032804/http://www.reformiert.de/nachricht/items/trauordnung-auch-fuer-homosexuelle-paare.html |archive-date=2017-12-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Church of Lippe]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unserekirche.de/kirche/lippe/lippische-kirche-erwaegt-segnung-von-homo-paaren_11626.html |title=Lippische Kirche erwägt Segnung von Homo-Paare |language=German |website=Die Zeitung mit der Guten Nachricht |date=October 28, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lippische-landeskirche.de/5400-0-1 |title=Segnungsgottesdienste Segnung für Menschen in eingetragener Lebenspartnerschaft in öffentlichem Gottesdienst möglich |website=Lippische Landeskirche |date=November 23, 2015 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Church of Anhalt]]<ref name="evangelisch.de">{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/111225/20-11-2014/segnung-homosexueller-bunt-wie-ein-regenbogen |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Segnung homosexueller Paare, Bunt wie ein Regenbogen |last1=Bechtold |first1=Markus |last2=Kampf |first2=Anne |last3=Sussmann |first3=Johannes |date=November 23, 2020 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Protestant Church in Baden]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.baden-landessynode-genehmigt-homo-trauungen.68792f38-1969-4e7f-845f-914d23024742.html |website=Stuttgarter Zeitung |title=Landessynode genehmigt Homo-Trauungen |date=April 23, 2016 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.badische-zeitung.de/suedwest-1/landeskirche-genehmigt-gleichgeschlechtliche-trauungen--121184022.html |website=Badische Zeitung |title=Landeskirche genehmigt gleichgeschlechtliche Trauungen |date=April 23, 2016 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Saxony]]<ref>[http://www.evlks.de/aktuelles/nachrichten/31864.html Evlks.de:"Segnung von Paaren in Eingetragener Lebenspartnerschaft" in Sachsen möglich (German)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019081429/http://www.evlks.de/aktuelles/nachrichten/31864.html |date=2016-10-19 }}, 18 October 2016</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.br.de/nachrichten/landessynode-beschliesst-segnung-homosexueller-paare-100.html |website=Bayrischer Rundfunk |title=Landessynode beschließt Segnung von homosexuellen Paaren |language=German |date=April 19, 2018 |last=Kleinjung |first=Tilmann |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419073449/https://www.br.de/nachrichten/landessynode-beschliesst-segnung-homosexueller-paare-100.html |archive-date=April 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>[Sonntagsblatt.de: Historischer Wendepunkt: Die Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche Bayerns öffnet sich für die "Trauung für alle"], April 3, 2025</ref>
*[[Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg]]<ref>[https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.kirchlicher-segen-landessynode-erlaubt-segnungsgottesdienste-fuer-homosexuelle-paare.9fbad7e9-5583-4e3a-a21c-1b3972a82d5f.html Stuttgarter Nachrichten: Landessynode erlaubt Segnungsgottesdienste für homosexuelle Paare] (german), March 23, 2019</ref>
*[[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Schaumburg-Lippe]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Landeskirche-Schaumburg-Lippe-segnet-nun-homosexuelle-Paare,bueckeburg234.html |website=NDR |title=Landeskirche Schaumburg-Lippe segnet nun homosexuelle Ehepaare |language=German |date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/178706/21-11-2020/letzte-landeskirche-fuehrt-oeffentliche-segnung-homosexueller-paare-ein |title=Letzte Landeskirche führt öffentliche Segnung homosexueller Paare ein |language=German |date=November 21, 2020 |website=Evangelisch |access-date=October 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122082546/https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/178706/21-11-2020/letzte-landeskirche-fuehrt-oeffentliche-segnung-homosexueller-paare-ein |archive-date=November 22, 2020}}</ref>

====Iceland====
Within the [[Church of Iceland]], the blessing of same-sex couples is allowed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://icelandreview.com/news/2008/07/02/first-lesbian-couple-iceland-marries-church|title=IcelandReview: First Lesbian Couple in Iceland "Marries" in Church|access-date=2015-07-03|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121918/http://icelandreview.com/news/2008/07/02/first-lesbian-couple-iceland-marries-church|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Italy====
The [[Waldensian Evangelical Church]] became the first Italian Christian denomination to bless same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2010/08/27/i-valdesi-riconoscono-le-coppie-gay-primo-si-in-italia/53688/ |title=Coppie gay, storica apertura della Chiesa valdese. Ma si aspetta ancora una legge |language=Italian |last=Pecoraro |first=Gaetano |date=August 27, 2010 |website=il Fatto Quotidiano |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

The [[Lutheran Evangelical Church in Italy]] supports same-sex couples and allowed blessings of same-sex unions in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/3566|title=The Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy says yes to the blessing of same-sex couples|work=Changing Attitude|access-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722085855/http://changingattitude.org.uk/archives/3566|archive-date=22 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Norway====
In 2013, the [[Church of Norway]] allowed blessing of same-sex unions.<ref>[http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/03/031408nor.htm Norway Moves To Legalize Gay Marriage] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317232256/http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/03/031408nor.htm |date=March 17, 2008 }}</ref> In a synod-meeting on the 11th of April 2016 the Church of Norway formally allowed same-sex marriages in their churches and announced the commencement of work on a liturgy for same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/trondelag/kirkemotet-sier-ja-til-likekjonnet-ekteskap-1.12894726|title=Kirkemøtet sier ja til likekjønnet ekteskap|last=NRK|website=NRK|date=11 April 2016|access-date=2016-05-22}}</ref>

====Philippines====

The [https://web.archive.org/web/20190601074733/http://mccquezoncity.com/ Metropolitan Community Church of Quezon City (MCCQC)], Metropolitan Community Church Makati (MCCMPH), and [http://mccmb.webs.com/ Metropolitan Community Church of Metro Baguio (MCCMB)] officiate Holy Unions for same-sex partners in the Philippines. The [https://web.archive.org/web/20130404054314/https://www.mccphilippines.com/ Metropolitan Community Church] is an Ecumenical Christian Church for all people, with a special ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people; it advocates for equality and social justice. Its affiliations in The Philippines are the following: MCC Quezon City, MCC Makati, MCC Metro Baguio, MCC Olongapo, and MCC Marikina.

==== Poland ====
In May 2024, clergy from the [[Polish Reformed Church|Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland]] and Halina Radacz, a pastor in the [[Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland|Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession Poland]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poland: Serving God and the church without limitations |url=http://lutheranworld.org/news/poland-serving-god-and-church-without-limitations |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=The Lutheran World Federation |language=en}}</ref> offered the first documented blessings of same-sex couples in Poland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-19 |title=A Milestone in Poland: First Church Blessing for Same-Sex Couples {{!}} Christ Pulse |url=https://christpulse.com/a-milestone-in-poland-first-church-blessing-for-same-sex-couples/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=christpulse.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tilles |first=Daniel |date=2024-05-18 |title=First church blessing of same-sex couples takes place in Poland |url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/05/18/first-church-blessing-of-same-sex-couples-takes-place-in-poland/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Notes From Poland |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=First church blessing for same-sex couples held in Poland - Premier Christian News {{!}} Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/first-church-blessing-for-same-sex-couples-held-in-poland |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=premierchristian.news |language=en}}</ref>

====Sweden====
The [[Church of Sweden]] performs blessings of same-sex couples.<ref name="queer.de"/> Following the legalization of [[same-sex marriage in Sweden]] in May 2009, the Church of Sweden decided in October 2009 to start conducting same-sex weddings in their churches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelocal.se/22810/20091022/ |title=Church of Sweden says yes to gay marriage |date=October 22, 2009 |website=[[The Local]]|access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111052558/http://www.thelocal.se/22810/20091022/ |archive-date=January 11, 2012}}</ref> It had previously blessed same-sex couples using a different ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8321502.stm |title=Sweden church allows gay weddings |date=October 22, 2009 |website=BBC |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

==== Reformed churches in Switzerland ====
Most of the reformed churches in [[Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches]] perform blessings for same-sex couples,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tagblatt.ch/ostschweiz/reformierte-in-der-ostschweiz-fuerchten-kirchenspaltung-wegen-ehe-fuer-alle-ld.1173530|title=Wegen der "Ehe für alle": Ostschweizer Reformierte fürchten eine Kirchenspaltung|first=Katharina|last=Brenner|website=St.Galler Tagblatt|date=30 November 2019 }}</ref> for example 
* [[Reformed Church of Aargau]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ref-ag.ch/geschichte_struktur/synode/berichte_protokolle/2003-11-19.php |title=Bericht von der konstituierenden Synode am 19. November 2003 in Aarau |website=Reformierte Landeskirche Aargau |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915060123/http://www.ref-ag.ch/geschichte_struktur/synode/berichte_protokolle/2003-11-19.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aargauerzeitung.ch/aargau/kanton-aargau/die-reformierten-im-aargau-unterstuetzen-die-ehe-fuer-alle-135641497 |website=[[Aargauer Zeitung]] |title=Die reformierte Kirche im Aaargau unterstützt die Ehe für alle |language=German |date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923080556/https://www.aargauerzeitung.ch/aargau/kanton-aargau/die-reformierten-im-aargau-unterstuetzen-die-ehe-fuer-alle-135641497 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Reformed Churches of the Canton Bern-Jura-Solothurn]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.refbejuso.ch/content/page-1.asp?PortLink=543&UnLnk=515&ConType=1&Lev=3&PortalId=500&RecordId=520 |website=Reformierte Kirchen Bern-Jura-Solothurn |title=Feiern in besonderen Lebenslagen |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030823082153/http://www.refbejuso.ch/content/page-1.asp?PortLink=543&UnLnk=515&ConType=1&Lev=3&PortalId=500&RecordId=520 |archive-date=August 23, 2003}}</ref>
* Evangelical-Reformed Church of Graubünden<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.reformiert.info/artikel/graub%C3%BCnden/eine-frage-des-liebesgebotes-0 |title=Reformiert.info; Eine Frage des Liebesgebotes (German) |access-date=2016-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304173120/http://www.reformiert.info/artikel/graub%C3%BCnden/eine-frage-des-liebesgebotes-0 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Lucerne]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://reflu.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11.020_Kirchenordnung-aktualisiert-26.01.2015.pdf |title=Kirchenordnung der Evangelisch-Reformierten Kirche des Kantons Luzern, § 37 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110012009/http://reflu.ch/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11.020_Kirchenordnung-aktualisiert-26.01.2015.pdf |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of St. Gallen]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ref-sg.ch/anzeige/projekt/111/218/21_70_fuerbittegottesdienste_fuer_personen_in_besonderen_lebenssituationen.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304180228/http://www.ref-sg.ch/anzeige/projekt/111/218/21_70_fuerbittegottesdienste_fuer_personen_in_besonderen_lebenssituationen.pdf |title=Fürbittgottesdienste für Personen in besonderen Lebenssituationen (pdf-Dokument), German|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> 
* [[Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Schaffhausen]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928150236/http://www.ref-sh.ch/downloads/law/kirchenordnung-synodevorlage.pdf Entwurf zur Kirchenordnung der Evangelisch-reformierten Kirche des Kantons Schaffhausen, Art. 41] (PDF; 168&nbsp;kB) (German)</ref>
* Chiesa evangelica riformata nel Ticino<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ref.ch/gesellschaft-politik/ti-synode-fuer-segnung-homosexueller-paare/ |title=TI: Synode spricht sich für Segnung homosexueller Paare aus |language=German |date=November 19, 2014 |website=Das Portal der Reformierten |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Evangelical Church of the Canton of Thurgau]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ref.ch/allgemein/reformierte-tg-segensfeier-fuer-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare-moeglich/ |title=Reformierte TG: Segensfeier für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare möglich |language=German |website=Das Portal der Reformierten |date=August 27, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ref.ch/allgemein/reformierte-vd-neu-feiern-fuer-gleichgeschlechtliche-paare/ |website=Das Portal der Reformierten |title=Reformierte VD: Neu Feiern für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare |date=November 11, 2013 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
* [[Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zh.ref.ch/content/e3/e361/e349/index_ger.html |website=Evangelisch-reformierte Landeskirche des Kantons Zürich |language=German |title=Auf dem Weg zu Rituale für homosexuelle Paare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604131121/http://zh.ref.ch/content/e3/e361/e349/index_ger.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 4, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/eine-landeskirche-outet-sich-ehe-fuer-alle-sorgt-kirchenintern-fuer-unmut |website=SRF |title=Eine Landeskirche outet sich, "Ehe für alle" sorgt kirchenintern für Unmut |last=Weber |first=Stephan |language=German |date=August 8, 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

In August 2019, the blessing of same-sex marriages is allowed in [[Swiss Reformed Church]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kirchenbund.ch/de/communiques-de/2019/rat-des-kirchenbundes-bef-rwortet-die-ffnung-der-ehe-f-r-gleichgeschlechtliche |title=Rat des Kirchenbundes befürwortet die Öffnung der Ehe für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare |language=German |date=August 29, 2019 |website=Schwizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830152319/https://www.kirchenbund.ch/de/communiques-de/2019/rat-des-kirchenbundes-bef-rwortet-die-ffnung-der-ehe-f-r-gleichgeschlechtliche |archive-date=August 30, 2019}}</ref>

====United States====
The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] began officially allowing blessings of same-sex couples in late August, 2009—though there were no explicit prohibitions before this point.  Studies and dialogue had been under way during the past decade and continued until the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, during which the ELCA passed a resolution by a vote of 619–402 reading "Resolved, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Actions/Voting.aspx#MP |title=Brief Summary of Actions, Eleventh ELCA Churchwide Assembly |date=August 2009 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709014822/http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Actions/Voting.aspx#MP |archive-date=July 9, 2010}}</ref> That Assembly also affirmed that sexual orientation, in itself, is not to be a qualification or exclusion for ordained ministry.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/ |title=Faithfuljourney |website=Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110033330/http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/ |archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> As marriage policy is a congregation matter in the ELCA, same-sex partnership blessings and marriages had been performed by many Lutheran pastors prior to the 2009 actions. In 1993 the ELCA Conference of Bishops stated it did not approve of such ceremonies, but made no comment about same-sex marriage.  (The Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the ELCA.)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/5256 |title=Later ELXA Assemblies Address Hunger, Stewardship, Sexuality |date=August 13, 2004 |website=Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

Lutheran congregations which so choose may register their public affirmation for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people may register with [[Lutherans Concerned/North America]], a church advocacy group, as "[[Reconciling in Christ]]."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/ |title=Reconciling in Christ (RIC) |website=ReconcilingWorks |date=24 August 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> This registry includes not only congregations, but synods, organizations, Lutheran colleges, campus ministries, social ministry institutions, Lutheran health care organizations, campus ministries, church colleges, regional synods and districts, and other groups which openly welcome gays and lesbians in their communities. The national Lutheran organization which advocates for equality for gays and lesbians inside and outside the church was known as "Lutherans Concerned North America" until 2012, when they changed their name to "ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reconcilingworks.org/news-2012-06-13/ |title=Lutherans Concerned/North America Becomes ReconcilingWorks |last=Baker |first=Zac |date=June 12, 2012 |website=ReconcilingWorks |access-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Founded in 1974 Local chapters are found throughout the US and Canada.

In 2015, after the Supreme Court legalized [[Obergefell v. Hodges|same-sex marriage]] nationally in the US, the office of the presiding bishop released a letter informing members that each congregation is free to marry gay and lesbian couples or to choose not to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7759|title=ELCA presiding bishop offers letter on Supreme Court marriage ruling|website=www.elca.org|access-date=2016-08-21}}</ref>

The [[Reformed Church of America]] (RCA) allows blessings of same-sex marriages and ordination of homosexual reverends, as for example Rev. Ursula Cargill in New Jersey, but debates have split the church for years and not all congregations recognize this position.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vande Bunte|first1=Matt|title=RCA takes strides toward more inclusion of homosexuals|work=MLive|date=2011-11-19|url=https://www.mlive.com/living/grand-rapids/2011/11/rca_takes_strides_toward_more.html|access-date=2023-01-17}}</ref>

=== Catholic Church ===
On 15 March 2021, the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]], under the approval of [[Pope Francis]], released a ''[[responsa|responsum]]'' (doctrinal answer) in which it clarified that the Catholic Church does not have the power to give liturgical [[Blessing in the Catholic Church|blessings]] of homosexual unions. In an accompanying note, it stated "it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/03/15/0157/00330.html |title=Responsum della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede ad un dubium circa la benedizione delle unioni di persone dello stesso sesso |date=15 March 2021 |website=Vatican |language=Italian |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> On 25 September 2023, in another ''responsum'' to conservative cardinals before the [[World Synod of Bishops]], Pope Francis signalled the Church's openness to blessings for gay couples as long as they did not misrepresent the Church's view of marriage as between one man and one woman.<ref name="McElwee-2023">{{cite web |language=en |last1=McElwee |first1=Joshua J. |date=2 October 2023 |title=Pope signals openness to blessings for gay couples, study of women's ordination |website=[[National Catholic Reporter]] |publisher=Joe Ferullo |location=Kansas City |access-date=16 October 2023 |url=https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/news/pope-signals-openness-blessings-gay-couples-study-womens-ordination}}</ref><ref name="Allen-2023">{{cite web |language=en |last1=Allen |first1=Elise Ann |title=Pope offers cautious 'yes' on blessing some same-sex unions, 'no' on woman priests |date=2 October 2023 |website=Crux |publisher=Crux Catholic Media |access-date=16 October 2023 |url=https://cruxnow.com/2023-consistory-and-synod-for-synodality/2023/10/pope-offers-cautious-yes-on-blessing-some-same-sex-unions-no-on-woman-priests}}</ref>

On 18 December 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a declaration ''[[Fiducia supplicans]]''. The doctrinal interpretation by the [[magisterium]], as [[Promulgation|promulgated]] (published with legal effect) by Pope Francis, expressly approved blessings for couples of the same sex. These forms of blessing, which are not to be "confus[ed] with the blessing proper to the Sacrament of Marriage," express a "supplication that God may grant those aids that come from the impulses of his Spirit [...] so that human relationships may mature and grow in fidelity to the Gospel, that they may be freed from their imperfections and frailties, and that they may express themselves in the ever-increasing dimension of the divine love." The declaration cleared the way for Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples without subjecting them to "an exhaustive moral analysis," affirming that "a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God" who "never turns away anyone who approaches him". The request for a blessing "expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life" and is "a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered." These blessings, while "unit[ing] intercessory prayer with the invocation of God's help" for same-sex couples seeking it, should not be included in a liturgical rite, given that "such a ritualization would constitute a serious impoverishment because it would subject a gesture of great value in popular piety to excessive control, depriving ministers of freedom and spontaneity in their pastoral accompaniment of people's lives."<ref>[https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en Vatican: Dichiarazione, Fiducia supplicans sul senso pastorale delle benedizioni], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/anafaguy/2023/12/18/pope-francis-approves-same-sex-blessings/?sh=7d9745d27765: Pope Francis Approves Same-Sex Blessings], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/vatican-approves-blessings-same-sex-couples-under-certain-conditions-2023-12-18/: Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/world/europe/pope-gay-lesbian-same-sex-blessing.html: Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/katholische-kirche-papst-franziskus-erlaubt-segnung-unverheirateter-und-homosexueller-paare-a-43a26761-31c0-42ed-8bb2-2504aef7575e Spiegel.de: Papst erlaubt Segnung unverheirateter und homosexueller Paare], 18 December 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/fiducia-supplicans-doctrine-faith-blessing-irregular-couples.html Vaticannews.va: Doctrinal declaration opens possibility to bless couples in irregular situations ], 18 December 2023</ref>

The document details that this type of informal and spontaneous blessing is neither a [[Sacraments of the Catholic Church|sacrament]] nor a [[Rite (Christianity)|rite]] of the Catholic Church, so no special [[ceremony]] is performed for it.<ref name="Wooden">{{cite news |last1=Wooden |first1=Cindy |date=18 December 2023 |title=Doctrinal dicastery explains how, when gay couples can be blessed |work= |publisher=[[United States Conference of Catholic Bishops]] |agency=[[Catholic News Service]] |url=https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/doctrinal-dicastery-explains-how-when-gay-couples-can-be-blessed |access-date=19 December 2023 |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218210406/https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/doctrinal-dicastery-explains-how-when-gay-couples-can-be-blessed |url-status=live }}</ref> The document maintains that sexual relations are [[Validity and liceity (Catholic Church)|licit]] only within marriage, so heterosexual couples are urged to marry and not consider this blessing as an alternative to marriage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin S.J. |first1=James |date=18 December 2023 |title=Pope Francis' same-sex blessings declaration is a major step forward for LGBTQ Catholics |work=[[America (magazine)|America]] |publisher= |agency= |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/12/18/pope-francis-same-sex-blessings-lgbt-catholic-246755 |access-date= |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219064937/https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/12/18/pope-francis-same-sex-blessings-lgbt-catholic-246755 |url-status=live }}</ref> All [[Extramarital sex|extramarital sexual relations]] are considered to be [[Christian views on sin|sinful]] by the Church and continue to be so, which is why it is asked for the [[Affect (psychology)|affect]] that may exist between the two people of the same sex involved.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Flynn |first1=J.D. |date=18 December 2023 |title=The 'spirit' of 'Fiducia supplicans' |work=[[The Pillar]] |publisher= |agency= |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/the-spirit-of-fiducia-supplicans |access-date= |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219064937/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/the-spirit-of-fiducia-supplicans |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[sexual attraction]] between two people of the same sex is not condemned according to the [[Catholic theology of sexuality|sexual morality]] of the Catholic Church, but the [[Human sexual activity|sexual act]] is.<ref name=":10">{{cite news |last1=Pullella |first1=Philip |title=Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/vatican-approves-blessings-same-sex-couples-under-certain-conditions-2023-12-18/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=18 December 2023}}</ref> In 2024, the Pope clarified that the blessings may not be given to the unions but only the individual persons.<ref name="r543">{{cite web | last=Pullella | first=Philip | title=Pope says LGBT blessings are for individuals, not approval of unions | website=Reuters | date=2024-01-26 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-says-lgbt-blessings-are-individuals-not-approval-unions-2024-01-26/#:~:text=Not%20the%20union%2C%20but%20the,ceremonial%20accoutrements%20found%20at%20weddings. | access-date=2024-06-19}}</ref>

====Germany====
In May 2021, ''[[CBC News]]'' reported that Catholic priests in Germany had been secretly blessing same-sex unions for years.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.6022063/german-priests-are-blessing-same-sex-unions-in-direct-defiance-of-a-vatican-order-1.6022276| title = German priests are blessing same-sex unions in direct defiance of a Vatican order {{!}} CBC Radio}}</ref> In the [[Diocese of Aachen]], five same-sex unions received a blessing in [[Mönchengladbach]] in 2003,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/vorab/a-260660.html|title=Riskanter Segen für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=9 August 2003|via=www.spiegel.de}}</ref> while over fifty blessings of same-sex unions have been held in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/148554/06-02-2018/inofiziell-segnen-katholische-pfarrer-immer-wieder-homosexuelle-paare?kamp=b-014 |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Inofiziell segnen katholische Pfarrer immer wieder homosexuelle Paare |last=Lauer |first=Julia |date=2 February 2018 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> In 2007, one same-sex union received a blessing in [[Wetzlar]] in the [[Diocese of Limburg]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fr-online.de/rhein-main/bischof-von-limburg-dekan-muss-gehen-wegen-schwulen-trauung,1472796,3427662.html |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801034749/http://www.fr-online.de/frankfurt_und_hessen/nachrichten/hessen/?em_cnt=1579558 |website=Frankfurter Rundschau |title=Dakan muß gehen wegen Trauung eines homosexuellen Paares |language=German |date=20 August 2008 |archive-date=1 August 2012}}</ref> In the German [[Archdiocese of Paderborn]], blessings of same-sex unions were allowed in [[Dortmund]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/148547/05-02-2018/katholische-kirche-segnung-homosexueller |website=Evangelisch.de |title=Ich finde, dieses Anliegen kann man nicht ignorieren |last=Lauer |first=Julia |date=5 February 2018 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> During the week of 23 May 2021, about 120 German priests held blessings including blessings of same-sex unions. Others in relationships the Church regards as sinful, such as attempted remarriage without a [[declaration of nullity]], were also blessed; women preached from pulpits, which is prohibited by the teachings of the Catholic Church.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57184533 Germany's quiet Catholic rebellion on gay blessings and women preachers] ''[[BBC]]''</ref>

In May 2015, the [[Central Committee of German Catholics]] voted in favour of the blessing of same-sex unions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.br.de/nachrichten/aktuelles/zdk-katholiken-tagung-102.html |website=Bayerischer Rundfunk |title=Segnung von Homo-Ehen gefordert |first=Christian |last=Wölfel |date=10 May 2015 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110012007/http://www.br.de/nachrichten/aktuelles/zdk-katholiken-tagung-102.html |archive-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> This position was later reiterated by a number of German bishops. In January 2018, bishop [[Franz-Josef Bode]] of the [[Diocese of Osnabrück]] said in an interview with German journalists that the blessing of same-sex unions is possible in German Catholic churches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Bischof-Bode-fuer-Segnung-von-Homo-Paaren,segnung100.html |website=NDR.de |title=Bischof für Segnung von homosexuellen Paaren |date=10 January 2018 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110181002/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/Bischof-Bode-fuer-Segnung-von-Homo-Paaren,segnung100.html |archive-date=10 January 2018}}</ref> The following month, Cardinal [[Reinhard Marx]], [[Archdiocese of Munich and Freising|Archbishop of Munich and Freising]] and chairman of the [[German Bishops' Conference]] expressed the same view in an interview.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.br.de/nachrichten/kardinal-marx-homosexuelle-100.html |website=Bayrischer Rundfunk |title=Segnung homosexueller Paare ist möglich |date=3 February 2018 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/reinhard-marx-kardinal-stellt-segnung-homosexueller-paare-in-aussicht-a-1191270.html |website=Spiegel Panorama |title=Kardinal Marx stellt Segnung homosexueller Paare in Aussicht |date=3 February 2018 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> In 2017, the association [[We Are Church]] supported the blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.zeit.de/gesellschaft/familie/2017-09/ehe-fuer-alle-gleichstellung |newspaper=Die Zeit |title=Und wie reagieren die Kirchen? |last1=Schuler |first1=Katharina |last2=Götz |first2=Sören |last3=Sistig |first3=Martin |date=1 October 2017 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> In April and June 2020, bishops [[Helmut Dieser]] from the [[Diocese of Aachen]] and [[Georg Bätzing]] from the Diocese of Limburg said that blessings of same-sex unions in Catholic churches should be allowed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.domradio.de/themen/bistuemer/2020-06-11/reformen-im-blick-bischof-dieser-zur-segnung-von-homo-paaren-und-zum-synodalen-weg |website=Domradio.de |title=Reformen im Blick |date=11 June 2020 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://novenanews.com/german-bishops-head-gay-couple-faithfulness/ |website=Novena |title=German Bishops' head: "If a gay couple lives with faithfulness, can't we say their relationship is blessed by God? |last=Doody |first=Cameron |date=16 April 2020 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/bischof-georg-baetzing-das-leben-wird-wieder-aufbluehen-16721970.html |title=Das Leben wird wieder aufblühen |last=Fritzen |first=Florentine |date=12 April 2020 |language=German |newspaper=Faz.net |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> In March 2021, bishop [[Franz-Josef Overbeck]] supported blessings for same-sex unions.<ref>[https://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/franz-josef-overbeck-ruhrbischof-fordert-aenderung-der-lehre-zu-homosexualitaet-a-9d51dcce-061c-4ec4-b676-c1ce18213182 Spiegel.de: Franz-Josef Overbeck fordert Änderung der Lehre zur Homosexualität (German)], March 2021</ref>
 
In September 2020, bishop [[Heinrich Timmerevers]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Dresden–Meissen|Diocese of Dresden–Meissen]] supported blessing of same-sex marriages.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/27026-bischof-timmerevers-befuerwortet-segnung-homosexueller-paare |website=Katholisch.de |title=Bischof Timmerevers befürwortet Segnung homosexueller Paare |first=Karin |last=Wollschläger |date=28 September 2020 |language=German |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> In February 2021, bishop [[Peter Kohlgraf]] from the [[Diocese of Mainz]] also expressed support for the blessing of same-sex marriages in Catholic churches.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/28591-kohlgraf-homosexuelle-paare-begleiten-statt-verurteilen |website=Katholisch.de |title=Kohlgraf: Homosexuelle Paare begleiten statt verurteilen |date=3 February 2021 |language=German |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> The following month, archbishop [[Ludwig Schick]] from the [[Archdiocese of Bamberg]] supported blessings of same-sex marriages.<ref>[https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/priester-sprechen-sich-fuer-segnung-homosexueller-paare-aus,SSIGqZ0 Bayerischer Rundfunk: Priester sprechen sich für Segnung homosexueller Paare aus], 22 March 2021, (German)</ref> From 16 May 2021, many Catholic churches in Germany planned to hold blessings of same-sex marriages in open defiance of the Holy See.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-10|title=German Catholics to bless gay unions despite Vatican ban|url=https://religionnews.com/2021/05/10/german-catholics-to-bless-gay-unions-despite-vatican-ban/|access-date=2021-09-20|website=Religion News Service|language=en-US}}</ref> The head of the German Bishops Conference has spoken against gay blessings but the lay organisation, the [[Central Committee of German Catholics]], is in favour. This is part of a widespread movement for reform in German Catholic churches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/10/german-catholics-set-to-bless-same-sex-couples-despite-a-vatican-ban|title=German Catholics to bless gay couples despite a Vatican ban|date=10 May 2021|website=euronews}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57055162 German priests defy Vatican to bless gay couples] ''[[BBC]]''</ref> In June 2021, German bishop [[Bertram Meier]] from [[Diocese of Augsburg]] in Bavaria supported blessings for same-sex marriages,<ref>[https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/augsburger-bischof-bertram-meier-will-homosexuelle-segnen,SZs9kzk Br.de: Augsburger Bischof Bertram Meier will homosexuelleEhepaare segnen] (German), June 2021</ref> followed by bishop [[Karl-Heinz Wiesemann]] in February 2022.<ref>[https://www.rheinpfalz.de/politik_artikel,-bischof-segnung-homosexueller-paare-kann-ich-mir-vorstellen-_arid,5310394.html?reduced=true Rhein-Pfalz: Segnung homosexueller Paare kann ich mir vorstellen (German)], February 2022</ref>

On 1 October 2021, a significant majority of German Catholic bishops and laity supported blessings of same-sex marriages in a document at the [[Synodal Path]].<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/german-catholic-leaders-support-blessings-for-gay-couples-challenging-pope-francis-11633107983 Washington Journal: German Catholic Leaders Support Blessings for Gay Couples, Challenging Pope Francis], 1 October 2021</ref> On 11 May 2022, blessings of same-sex marriages were celebrated in more than a hundred Catholic churches in Germany, such as in the cathedral in [[Magdeburg]], and in [[Essen]] was first time a Catholic bishop with Ludger Schepers at place.<ref>[https://www.die-tagespost.de/kirche/aktuell/erster-bischof-bei-segnung-queerer-paare-dabei-art-228419 Die Tagespost: Erster Bischof bei öffentlicher Segnung queerer Paare dabei], May 2022</ref> On 11 March 2023, the [[Synodal Path]] with support of over 80% of Catholic bishops called for blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples in the German Catholic dioceses.<ref>[https://www.dw.com/en/german-catholic-bishops-back-blessings-for-same-sex-couples/a-64950775 Deutsche Welle: German Catholic bishops back blessings for same-sex couples], 11 March 2023</ref><ref>[https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/03/10/german-church-synod-same-sex-blessings-244883 American Magazine: German bishops vote in favor of blessing same-sex unions in the Catholic Church]</ref><ref>[https://www.pillarcatholic.com/german-synodal-way-backs-same-sex-blessings/ The pillar: German synodal way backs same-sex blessings], March 11, 2023</ref> After the [[Synodal Path]], the first German dioceses started blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples in March 2023, including the [[Diocese of Osnabrück]],<ref>[https://www.evangelisch.de/inhalte/213526/14-03-2023/nach-beschluss-auf-synodalem-weg-bistum-osnabrueck-erlaubt-segensfeiern-fuer-homo-paare Evangelisch.de: Bistum Osnabrück erlaubt Segensfeiern für Homo-Paare] (German)</ref><ref>[https://neuesruhrwort.de/2023/03/15/bistum-osnabrueck-will-beschluesse-des-synodalen-wegs-umsetzen/ Neues Ruhrwort: Bistum Osnabrück wil Beschlüsse des Synodalen Wegs umsetzen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315085756/https://neuesruhrwort.de/2023/03/15/bistum-osnabrueck-will-beschluesse-des-synodalen-wegs-umsetzen/ |date=2023-03-15 }} (german)</ref> the [[Diocese of Essen]],<ref name="neuesruhrwort.de">[https://neuesruhrwort.de/2023/03/22/overbeck-segnung-homosexueller-paare-im-bistum-essen-moeglich/ Neues Ruhrwort: Overbeck, Segnung homosexueller Paare im Bistum Essen möglich], March 2023</ref> the [[Diocese of Speyer]],<ref>[https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/48339-brief-an-seelsorger-bischof-wiesemann-bittet-um-segensfeiern-fuer-alle Katholisch.de: Brief an Seelsorger: Bischof Wiesemann bittet um Segensfeiern für alle] 3 November 2023</ref> and the [[Archdiocese of Berlin]].<ref>[https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/46683-erzbischof-koch-segnung-homosexueller-paare-im-erzbistum-moeglich Katholisch.de: Erzbischof Koch: Segnung homosexueller Paare im Erzbistum möglich], August 25, 2023</ref> In April 2025, the Roman-Catholic bishop conference in Germany published a supporting document for blessing ceremonies of same-sex unions.<ref>[https://www.dbk.de/presse/aktuelles/meldung/gemeinsame-konferenz-verabschiedet-handreichung-zu-segensfeiern dbk.de: Gemeinsame Konferenz verabschiedet Handreichung zu Segensfeiern], April 2025</ref>

==== Switzerland ====
There have also been discussions about the blessing of same-sex unions and marriages in other countries. In [[Switzerland]], a blessing of a same-sex union took place in [[Bürglen, Uri]] in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nachrichten.at/nachrichten/weltspiegel/Pfarrer-segnete-lesbisches-Paar-Kirche-will-Fall-pruefen;art17,1531482 |title=Pfarrer Segnete Lesbisches Paar – Kirche Will Fall Prüfen |language=German |date=1 November 2014 |website=Nachrichten |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> The priest subsequently made a public apology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bistum-chur.ch/amtliche-mitteilungen/einigung-betreffend-die-pfarrei-buerglen/ |title=Einigung betreffend die Pfarrei Bürglen |website=[[Diocese of Chur]] |language=de |date=28 April 2015 |first1=Martin |last1=Grichting |first2=Wendelin |last2=Bucheli |access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref> In September 2019, in the [[Diocese of Basel]], blessings of same-sex marriages were allowed by bishop [[Felix Gmür]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.advocate.com/religion/2019/9/13/swiss-catholic-diocese-ok-marriage-equality-sort |website=Advocate |title=Swiss Catholic Diocese OK With Marriage Equality, Sort Of |last=Ring |first=Trudy |date=13 September 2019 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

==== Austria ====
In [[Austria]], the blessing of same-sex unions is allowed in the [[Diocese of Linz]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=30651 |website=Queer.de |title=Zum Valentinstag: Katholische Diözese segnet auch Homo-Paare |language=German |date=14 February 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref> The [[Pastor's Initiative|Parish Priests Initiative]] led by priest Helmut Schueller is blessing same-sex unions in defiance of the Pope. The group gave a statement which stated "We members of the Parish Priests Initiative are deeply appalled by the new Roman decree that seeks to prohibit the blessing of same-sex loving couples. This is a relapse into times that we had hoped to have overcome with Pope Francis."<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vatican-lgbt-austria-idUSKBN2B81Y4 Rebel priests defy Vatican, vow to bless same-sex couples] ''[[Reuters]]''</ref> In May 2020, Austrian Catholic theologian Ewald Volgger published, with the support of Catholic bishop [[Franz Lackner]], a book ''The benediction of same sex partnerships'' with liturgical advice, how a rite for blessings of same-sex partnerships might be conducted.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newwaysministry.org/2020/05/25/archdiocese-of-salzburg-publishes-new-book-on-church-blessings-for-same-gender-couples/ |website=New Ways Ministry |title=Archdiocese of Salzburg Publishes New Book on Church Blessings for Same-Gender Couples |last=Buck |first=Catherine |date=25 May 2020 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

==== Belgium ====
In [[Belgium]], bishop [[Johan Bonny]] from the [[Diocese of Antwerp]] supported blessing of same-sex marriages in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://religionnews.com/2015/01/08/belgian-bishop-says-catholic-church-bless-sex-couples/ |website=Religion News Service |title=Belgian bishop Johan Bonny says catholic church should bless same-sex couples |last=Gibson |first=David |date=8 January 2015 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> On 20 September 2022, the Flemish bishops of the Belgian Bishops' Conference issued a document allowing the blessing of same-sex unions, suggesting a ritual that included a prayer and a benediction for stable same-sex unions. But it stressed that it was not "what the Church understands by a sacramental marriage".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/flemish-catholic-bishops-defying-vatican-approve-blessing-same-sex-unions-2022-09-20/ | title=Defying Vatican, Flemish bishops allow blessing same-sex unions | newspaper=Reuters | date=20 September 2022 | last1=Pullella | first1=Philip | last2=Campenhout | first2=Charlotte }}</ref>

==== Malta ====
A blessing of a same-sex union took place by a Catholic Dominican priest in [[Malta]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/priest-blesses-same-gender-couples-engagement-in-malta-archbishop-remains-calm/ |title=Priest Blesses Same-Gender Couple's Engagement in Malta; Archbishop Remains Calm |last=Shine |first=Robert |date=15 April 2015 |website=New Ways Ministry |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-04-13/local-news/Controversial-priest-blesses-rings-at-gay-couple-s-engagement-ceremony-6736133686 |website=Malta Independent |title=Controversial Priest Blesses Rings at Gay Couple's Engagement Ceremony |last=Attard |first=Rachel |date=13 April 2015 |access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref>

==Churches with no policy on the unions==
The [[United Church of Christ]] has no formal rules requiring or prohibiting solemnization of wedding vows, but owing to its [[Congregational church governance|Congregational polity]] and constitution,<ref>See http://www.ucc.org/aboutus/constitution.htm#LOCAL {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129015153/http://www.ucc.org/aboutus/constitution.htm |date=2006-11-29 }}</ref> each Local Church is "autonomous in the management of its own affairs" and has the "right to operate in the way customary to it"; it cannot be "abridge[d] or impair[ed]" by other UCC agencies, and so each congregation has the freedom to bless or prohibit any kind of marriage or relationship in whatever way they discern appropriate. Thus a congregation may choose at their discretion to solemnise same-sex marriages, to bless same-sex unions, or refuse to perform any ceremony for same-sex couples, or refuse to perform any kind of marriage for anyone. There are no available statistics on how many UCC congregations solemnize same-sex relationships, but there are documented cases where this happens<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/gsrev25-7.pdf |title=In Support of Equal Marriage Rights for All |publisher=United Church of Christ |access-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061010231503/http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/gsrev25-7.pdf |archive-date=October 10, 2006}}</ref> and documented cases where congregations have taken stands against marriage between same-gender couples.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.southernconrenew.org/lex%20confession.html |title=The Lexington Confession |date=July 7, 2005 |website=Southern Conference Renewal Network |access-date=April 18, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201025516/http://www.southernconrenew.org/lex%20confession.html |archive-date=December 1, 2005}}</ref>

Among Baptists, The [[American Baptist Churches USA]] allows each congregation to decide for itself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bpnews.net/45162/gay-marriage-mainline-denominations-affirm-scotus|title=Gay marriage: mainline denominations affirm SCOTUS|website=Baptist Press|date=20 July 2015 |language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> Also, "the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. does not have an "official" position on any issues with regards to homosexuality".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalbaptist.com/resources/church-policy-and-polity/baptist-denomination--doctrines-faqs.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205131018/http://www.nationalbaptist.com/resources/church-policy-and-polity/baptist-denomination--doctrines-faqs.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-12-05|title=National Baptist Convention – Envisioning the Future Exceptionally – Baptist Denomination & Doctrines FAQs|website=www.nationalbaptist.com|access-date=2016-08-02}}</ref> Each congregation is autonomous in the [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.|National Baptist Convention USA Inc.]] Likewise, the [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]] recognizes the autonomy of each local congregation on these issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbf.net/core-values/|title=Core Values – Cooperative Baptist Fellowship|last=McGuffin|first=Carrie|website=www.cbf.net|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807094644/http://www.cbf.net/core-values/|archive-date=2016-08-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]] allows each congregation to decide whether to perform same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://disciples.org/congregations/disciples-congregation-votes-to-change-its-policy-on-marriage/|title=Disciples congregation votes to change its policy on marriage – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)|date=2011-05-18|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-02|archive-date=2016-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918164349/http://disciples.org/congregations/disciples-congregation-votes-to-change-its-policy-on-marriage/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Christianity|LGBTQ}}
*[[Adelphopoiesis]] ''("brother-making")''
*[[List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality]]
*[[List of Christian denominations affirming LGBT]]
*[[Status of same-sex marriage]]
*[[Marriage privatization]]
*[[LGBT-affirming religious groups]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
* Christian Grethlein: ''Grundinformation Kasualien''. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen 2007, {{ISBN|978-3-525-03620-4}}. Darin: Segnung anlässlich einer Eingetragenen Partnerschaft? p.&nbsp;265f.
* Wolfgang Schürger: ''Segnung von gleichgeschlechtlichen Paaren. Bausteine und Erfahrungen''. Gütersloher Verlagshaus. Gütersloh 2002. {{ISBN|3-579-05560-7}}.
* ''Segnung von Paaren in eingetragener Lebenspartnerschaft. Materialien für den Gottesdienst'' ([[Evangelical Church of Hesse Electorate-Waldeck]]), Kassel 2013. {{ISBN|978-3-89477-884-2}}
* ''Die Feier der Partnerschaftssegnung im Katholischen Bistum der Alt-Katholiken in Deutschland, Für den gottesdienstlichen Gebrauch erarbeitet durch die Liturgische Kommission und herausgegeben von Bischof und Synodalvertretung'', Alt-Katholischer Bistumsverlag, Bonn 2014, {{ISBN|978-3-934610-91-0}}.
* ''Paare.Riten.Kirche''. Arbeitsgemeinschaft für römisch-katholische Familienbildung (akf). Germany 2020, {{ISBN|978-3-89710-861-5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/27924-autoren-koennen-partnerschaften-nicht-auf-das-ehe-sakrament-begrenzen |website=Katholisch.de |title=Autoren: Können Partnerschaften nicht auf das Ehe-Sakrament begrenzen |first=Christoph |last=Brüwer |date=January 7, 2021 |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.akf-bonn.de/paareritenkirche.html |website=AKF |title=Paare.Riten.Kirche |language=German |access-date=April 18, 2021}}</ref>

==Further reading==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080910170102/http://www.samesexblessing.info/Portals/3/SSB%20Rite-the%20Ceremony.pdf Text of the Liturgy]
* [http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/section_d/p3.cfm Anglican Communion – On public Rites of Blessing of same-sex unions]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050101045625/http://www.episcopalchurch.org/19424_ENG_HTM.htm The Episcopal Church USA General Convention 2003 – Publications]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060822153228/http://www.ekhn.de/inhalt/download/standpunkt/sex/02_homo_beschluss_syn.pdf (German) Evangelical Church in Hesse]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060515085601/http://www.huk.org/texte/nordelbien2000.htm Decision for blessing in Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northelbia (German)]

==External links==
* [http://interfaithradio.org/node/166 The Ongoing Struggle within the Episcopal Church USA: ordination of openly gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex unions]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041208194440/http://www.beyondinclusion.org/theunerguide.htm Statement from the Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire on the blessing of same-sex Unions]

{{Religion and LGBT people}}

[[Category:LGBTQ and Christianity]]
[[Category:Marriage in Christianity]]
[[Category:Same-sex unions]]
[[Category:Blessings|Same-sex unions]]