Church of England bishops refuse to back gay marriage
The Church of England's official position on marriage is at odds with its Anglican equivalent in Scotland - The Scottish Episcopal Church - and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which both. The Church of England's governing body has voted against a report which would have continued the ban on gay couples marrying in church. The report called for a "culture of welcome and support" for gay couples, but many LGBT rights campaigners protested against it because its stance on gay marriage didn't change. Church of England gay marriage vote 'gave us hope'
Church of England bishops have refused to back a change in teaching to allow priests to marry same-sex couples, sources have told BBC News. They met on Tuesday to finalise their recommendations. A vote was passed with an amendment for some special services to go ahead sooner than expected. Gay couples will be able to have special services of blessing in Church of England parishes for the first time. 
Explained
The Church of England's governing body has voted against a report which would have continued the ban on gay couples marrying in church. The report called for a "culture of welcome and support" for. The Church of England has been debating the issue for years. Church of England bishops have refused to back a change in teaching to allow priests to marry same-sex couples, sources have told BBC News.
Church same
The Church of England has backed proposals to allow prayers of blessing for same sex couples. Its position on gay marriage will not change and same-sex couples will still be unable to marry in. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, warned the Church's parliament not to give in to the "fear of a slippery slope" when debating plans to bless same-sex couples. The Church of England has backed proposals to allow prayers of blessing for same sex couples. Synod signals support for ‘Anglican
Gay rights campaigners have welcomed the rejection by the Church of England's Synod of a call for continued opposition to same-sex marriage. The House of Bishops's report maintained church. The Church of England is the state church in England. The Church of England and Church in Wales sought exemption from the law, and as a result it is not legally possible for them to celebrate same-sex marriages. Church of England backs services for gay couples
The Church of England’s General Synod has given agreement in principle to taking forward outline proposals for the wider use of prayers asking for God’s blessing for same-sex couples in church services. . 
Factsheet
The Church of England is in the midst of a complex and fraught internal debate over same-sex marriage and LGBT issues. Currently it bans gay weddings in churches and does not let clergy enter same-sex marriages either, although some of its sister Churches have permitted this. .
Church of England's rejection of gay marriage report
The Church of England — central to the Anglican Communion of 85 million believers — does not allow same-sex marriage but will debate adopting fresh commitments later this month. .