The General Synod of the Anglican Church voted in favor of officially recognizing same-sex marriage, The Telegraph reported. The vote came after the bishops of the Council of Europe rejected calls in January to allow same-sex marriage in churches.

The vote took place in all three chambers of the Synod. In the House of Bishops, 36 voted "for," four prelates voted "against," and two abstained. Among the priesthood, opinions were divided: 111 voted "for", 85 voted "against" and three abstained. In the chamber of the laity, 103 participants voted "for," 92 voted "against," and five abstained.

Bishop Sarah Mullally of London was actively involved in promoting the issue of gay marriage in Synod.

In January, the bishops of the Anglican Church apologized to the LGBTQI+ faithful for rejection, isolation and hostility.

The General Synod of the Church of England was created in 1970 as a legislative body.