SAME-SEX couples in North Somerset can now marry in a church for the first time ever after a religious order changed its rules.  

Last year, the Methodist Church became the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages after the Methodist Conference voted overwhelmingly in favour of the change.

Now in a huge move, Nailsea's Methodist Church, in Silver Street, has opted to authorise the matrimony which has been legal in the UK since 2013. 

The decade-old act saw thousands of marriages in religious ceremonies but only for organisations that had opted in to the law. 

A religious council at Nailsea Methodist Church recently voted for the change which makes it the first church of any denomination in North Somerset to be authorised to conduct gay weddings.

The momentous decision gives Methodists the option to conduct ceremonies where local members and ministers support the move.

Minister Deborah Mallett, said: "We are delighted to become the first church in the area to conduct same-sex marriages.

"We aspire to be a community that welcomes, encourages and supports all people on their journey of faith. As justice-seekers, we are eager to affirm and include gay and straight people as equal partners in Christ’s church.”

The minister added: “Christian marriage is ultimately an invitation to experience, explore and express the gift of love within a committed relationship of life-long intention.

"As a church community we want to express God’s gracious and enabling love for all. We welcome the opportunity to extend that blessing to those who have previously been prevented from getting married in church."

The church will also begin to offer services of blessing for same-sex couples who are already married.

Deborah is now inviting prospective couples to contact the church for more information at www.nailseamethodistchurch.org.uk.