Church of England bishops have stopped plans to trial separate blessing services for same-sex couples, saying the measure, that stoked deep divisions, needed to secure greater backing from the Church's governing body. Same-sex blessings can still be carried out as part of regular church services. Conservative members of the Anglican faith had argued that separate blessing services would resemble a wedding, and contravene the Church's official view that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Stephen Cottrell, the Church's second most senior bishop, said they believed they had made the right decision following legal and theological advice, but recognised for some it would be "difficult and disappointing." The decision comes less than two weeks after Sarah Mullally was named as the next Arch

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