The Church of England does not intend to support same-sex unions.

It may soon be possible for Church of England clergy to pray for God’s blessing over same-sex couples, without officially recognising their unions in the same way that they would a marriage.

There will be liturgical services with an emphasis on blessing the couples through 2025. The 108-page document makes the case for appreciating the “faithfulness, stability, fruitfulness, love, faith, and grace” found in same-sex partnerships and asks pastors to find strategies for assisting individuals in growing in holiness in a society that sadly falls short of ideals in every regard. The justification for the plans has drawn criticism from both conservative and progressive voices, who have referred to it as “another fine mess” and “bonkers theology.”

The report represents the most recent step in the Church of England’s protracted and frequently agonising discernment process as it wrestles with intense internal conflict regarding same-sex relationships in a “rapidly changing social context.” The General Synod of the church decided in February to support the bishops’ proposals to offer prayers blessing same-sex unions within the church. This update, released prior to the meeting in November, details the challenges the bishops are facing in implementing the recommendations.

The latest study investigates how the prayers might be accepted in accordance with canon law, the body of laws that governs the Church of England. New liturgy requires approval by a two-thirds majority in two houses of the General Synod’s bishops, clergy, and laypeople. This process usually takes years to finish.