The governing body of the Church in Wales has confirmed that same-sex couples who have entered civil marriages or civil partnerships can now receive church blessings following a permanent policy change.
Church leaders confirmed the temporary blessing scheme will continue indefinitely, providing formal recognition for same-sex couples. The vote took place at the governing body’s recent meeting in Llandudno.
Five years ago, the Church acknowledged that failing to formally acknowledge individuals in committed same-sex relationships was unsustainable from a pastoral standpoint and introduced a provisional blessing ceremony. The trial period had been scheduled to end in September.
The Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, expressed gratitude for the manner in which the debate was conducted, describing it as calm and characterized by mutual respect. She noted that the Bench of Bishops recognises this is an issue about which people hold strong convictions. She added that they want everybody to be able to hold their views with integrity whilst not losing sight of the image of God that resides in all of us. She said they want to build a church that can make space for each other whatever their different perspectives.
The proposal required support from two-thirds of members in each of the Church’s three governing sections: bishops, clergy, and laity. All five bishops supported the motion. Clergy backed it with 32 votes in favour and seven against, with five abstentions, while the laity section approved it 48 to eight with two abstentions.
Currently, the Church in Wales is not permitted to conduct same-sex marriages. However, in November 2025, the bishops issued a pastoral message indicating that most people believe the time is right to offer equal marriage. Proposals to permit equal marriage within the Church are expected to be brought forward in April 2027.
The recent decision means an official blessing framework will remain in place as the Church considers whether to implement full marriage ceremonies. The discussion and voting took place on the second day of the Governing Body meeting at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.