TV vicar Rev Richard Coles has revealed his civil partnership with late partner David Oldham was blessed inside a church, despite it being banned within the Church of England at the time.

This week, the Church of England has published draft papers for same-sex marriage blessings ahead of the General Synod next month.

The decision not to legalise same-sex marriage within the Church has been met with frustration from LGBT+ activists – and the decision to bless same-sex couples has been met with equal sentiments from those that believe in the biblical view of marriage. 

Despite the fact the decision has only just been announced, Rev Coles has told The Times that he had his relationship blessed in 2010, prior to the passing of his partner. 

The pair were not allowed to invite guests, and followed the occasion with a trip to the registry office the next day in order to complete the formalities of a civil partnership. 

“I can’t say where because the person who officiated did so without permission. It was someone I knew, it was lovely and a bit mad, in a locked church after hours,” he told The Times. 

“There was me and David, the officiant and our two witnesses, and that was it, we couldn’t tell anyone. I don’t want to use the word secret, but it wasn’t something we shared with anyone.”

The clergymen opted to have a blessing in the church because they wanted an occasion “the Holy Spirit was invited to.”