CHURCH of England ministers have stopped short of supporting the pledge by the Vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams, to bless gay "marriages".

Canon Williams said there was a place for gay people in the Church, after protests from some Christian groups against new laws banning discrimination against homosexuals. He said many of his colleagues shared his views.

But while some ministers talked about extending God's love to couples in same-sex relationships, no-one said they were prepared 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 it's line is that if you have that sort of (homosexual) relationship, perhaps God could deliver you from it."

At Christ Church, Heaton, the Rev Dr Chris Bracegirdle said: "I don't think there should be a question from any Christian about God's love for people, regardless of gender, sexuality and race. But as a church, we have a duty and obligation to respect and follow the direction of our leaders."

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."

The Rev Paul Hardingham, of St Peter's Church, Halliwell, said: "It's a complex issue. The Church of England line is that the Bible teaches that marriage is seen in terms of a relationship between man and woman.

"Having said that, in terms of understanding where gay couples are coming from, I'd want to get on-side' and see what they are asking for."