A pledge of support for blessings for gay people in the Church of England by the Vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams, has stirred up fresh debate on the issue as ministers remain reluctant to bless same-sex couples.

Canon Williams said there was a place for gay people in the Church, and that many of his colleagues shared his views, reports Bolton News.

His pledge of support follows recent protests from some Christian groups against new laws banning discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation.

But while some ministers have considered the possibility of extending God's love to couples in same-sex relationships, strong opposition remains among ministers to bless such a civil partnership.

The Rev Michael Taylor, team leader at St Paul, St Matthew and St Thomas' Church, Halliwell, said: "Heterosexual marriage is God's intention for all of us and should be the norm.

"The Christian gospel is for everyone, no matter what your orientation. But its line is that if you have that sort of (homosexual) relationship, perhaps God could deliver you from it."

The Rev David Green, of St Paul's, Peel, Little Hulton, said: "If the situation arose, I would possibly be inclined to direct the couple towards the Metropolitan Community Church in Manchester, which quite openly does gay weddings and blessings."