with language allowing them to be used by same-sex or opposite-sex couples." These new marriage rites are to be used "under the discretion and with the permission of the diocesan bishop." Also, "clergy retain the canonical right to refuse to officiate at any wedding." The two new marriage rites have been made available online without charge by the Church Publishing House. "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage" (Church Publishing House, 2015) and "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2" (Church Publishing House, 2015) The General Convention also approved The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant: Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Sex Relationships for "continued use." England In 2013, Church of England indicated that it plans the blessing of same-sex unions. In 2023, the Church of England approved of blessings for same-sex couples following a civil marriage or civil partnership. Presently, "the Church of England does not conduct Civil Partnership Ceremonies or Same Sex Marriages but individual churches can conduct a service of thanksgiving after a ceremony." It is, however, forbidden by law to conduct same-sex marriages within its churches. The "church allows same-sex couples to have special prayers after their wedding", but does not allow gay priests to marry. Since special prayers are allowed, congregations have published and offered "Prayers for a Same Sex Commitment" or "services of thanksgiving" for same-sex couples. For gay clergy, the church does allow civil partnerships. The church has stated, officially, that "The Church of England recognises that same-sex relationships often embody fidelity and mutuality ... Civil partnerships enable these Christian virtues to be recognised socially and legally in a proper framework." While not officially allowed, some gay priests have converted their civil partnerships into legal marriages and have kept their positions. In 2016, the Archbishop's Council confirmed the following: clergy in the Church of England are allowed to enter in same-gender civil partnerships; clergy are able to offer prayers in support of same-gender couples; churches are able to publicly welcome LGBT people; clergy and lay people are allowed to make arguments in favour of changing church doctrine. In 2017, the Church of England's Diocese of Hereford voted in favor of a motion calling on the church "to create a set of formal services and prayers to bless those who have had a same-sex marriage or civil partnership." At General Synod in 2019, the Church of England announced that same-gender couples may remain