Church allows same-sex couples to have special prayers after their wedding - but bans gay priests from getting married.

Bishops have agreed that married gay couples can ask for special prayers in the Church of England after their wedding.

But, under new guidelines released today, the Church's House of Bishops has said that gay priests will be banned from getting married despite the fact it becomes legal in the UK next month.

One CoE vicar, who got engaged to his partner of 14 years yesterday, has today insisted the ban will not affect him and he will go ahead with his plans despite the potential consequences.

The new 'pastoral guidance' comes despite the fact rules allow for those in civil partnerships to become priests and bishops if they claim to be celibate.

And the rules state that gay non-clergy who marry can continue to receive communion within the Church.

The CoE will not be carrying out same-sex weddings, but gay couples can ask for special prayers from their priests. This, though, cannot be referring to as a 'blessing'.

They must have a form of 'pastoral discussion', but the priest may not subject the couple to 'questioning' about their private life.

They say that it would be inappropriate ‘conduct’ for deacons, priests and bishops to enter same-sex marriage. And lay members who do so will be barred from ordination.

In the guidance, the House of Bishops said that clergy should be allowed to ‘argue for a change in its teaching and human sexuality’.

: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news