The Associated Press reports that the union of Rev. Catherine Bond and Rev. Jane Pearce, who are both associate priests, was blessed at St. John the Baptist church in Felixstowe, eastern England.
Canon Andrew Dotchin, who was holding the couple's heads, knelt in front of them and gave a blessing: "Thanks for Catherine and Jane, to the love and friendship they share, and their commitment to one another as they come before you on this day."
The church's national assembly reached an agreement in February after a five year debate on changing policy to allow the blessings of same-sex couples in the Anglican church. On Tuesday, official terminology for the blessings were approved by the House of Bishops. The blessings are known as prayers of love and faith, according to the outlet.
Same-sex marriages are still forbidden in the church and if clergy disagrees with same-sex blessings, they will not be forced to conduct them.
Ordinary church services may incorporate the blessings. A proposal for distinct "services of prayer and dedication" for same-sex couples that would resemble matrimonial ceremonies has been formulated by the governing body of the church. However, this plan has not yet received official approval.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stated that it is his responsibility to unite the 85 million Anglicans in the globe, so he will not personally bless any same-sex couples. Welby serves as the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, of which the Church of England is a member on a global scale, AP reports.
