Over half of the members of the governing body of the Church in Wales have backed the idea of allowing same-sex couples to marry in church.

A secret ballot was held on taking the issue forward. Of the 120 members present, 61 voted in favour of holding same-sex marriages in church.

However, this falls short of the two-thirds majority needed for change.

Constitution

And any amendment to the Church's constitution requires a new bill to be passed by Parliament.

The governing body comprises of the six diocesan bishops alongside 51 other clerics and 86 lay people.

It is now up to the Bench of Bishops to decide whether to take further steps.

'Very foolish'

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan, said it would be "a very brave or perhaps a very foolish Bench of Bishops" who would take the issue forward now.

"Because that might just rip the church apart and lead to the acrimony that has been absent from this debate."

The Church of England and the Church in Wales are legally not allowed to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.

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