A letter by clergy in the Diocese of London has asked that the Church of England lift its ban on civil partnership ceremonies being hosted in churches.

The Government overturned the legal ban last year but the Church of England clarified in December that its member churches would not be allowed to host the registration of civil partnerships on their premises unless permission had been given by the General Synod.

In the letter sent to London diocese representatives in Synod, 120 clergy asked to be allowed to show the same discretion in hosting civil ceremonies as they are currently allowed when remarrying divorcees.

One signatory, the Rev Dr Brian Leathard, told the Times: "Our motivation in sending this letter is pastoral. For those of us at the frontline, there is no sense of hiding behind a blanket ban on holding civil partnership ceremonies in Church of England churches.

"More and more people are coming to us, and feel that we are turning them away without actually being able to hear their story."

According to the Guardian, the request has been dismissed by the Bishop of London Dr Richard Chartres in light of what he regards as more pressing concerns.

He said: "It is quite legitimate that this issue is being raised. However, the unity of the church and our core mission, particularly in these sobering and challenging economic times, must remain paramount.

"I hope the discussion will continue in a prayerful and respectful way, whilst not distracting from the important ministry our churches are carrying out in their communities."