The Archbishop of Wales has apologised "unreservedly" to gay couples for discrimination they may have faced within the Christian community.

The Church in Wales tweeted that Archbishop Barry Morgan "offers a pastoral letter on same-sex relationships apologising unreservedly for prejudice within the church".

Morgan was speaking at a meeting in Llandudno with the governing body of the Church today.

The Church released a statement saying that while it "is not yet ready to allow or bless same-sex marriage, the debate is not over."

It reiterated that gay and lesbian people "are fully affirmed as equal disciples" and apologised for "the persecution and mistreatment they have endured at the hands of the Church".

Introducing the letter, Archbishop Barry said: "We are not ready, as a church, to take the step of authorising same-sex marriage. There is no point in bringing forward a Bill to fail.

"That I know will be a disappointment to those who voted for change and will be a deep disappointment to same-sex couples within the Church in Wales who long for the opportunity to make their vows in one of our churches."

Morgan has authorised prayers for gay and lesbian couples to be said after a celebration of civil partnership or civil marriage, but clarified that "these prayers do not constitute a service of blessing."