Announced in Griffith on Sunday, The Uniting Church in Australia’s national decision-making body has granted their ministers the freedom to conduct same-sex marriages.

On the other hand though, ministers can also refuse these marriages.

The Uniting Church in Australia have agreed to hold two “equal and distinct” views on marriage to “honour the diversity of Christian belief” among it’s members, after holding an Assembly in Melbourne last week.

The proposal adopts an additional statement of belief, saying “marriage for Christians is the freely given consent and commitment in public and before God of two people to live together for life.”

The existing statement of belief says: “marriage for Christians is the freely given consent and commitment in public and before God of a man and woman to live together for life.”

Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer acknowledged the struggle of the LGBTIQ people in their church over the years as a “painful” one, and the proposal was “developed through continuing faithful discernment and held with integrity on matters relating to sexuality and marriage.”

“I know that this conversation is painful and difficult for you,” Dr Palmer said in a direct address to the LGBTIQ church members.

“We also acknowledge those who for whatever reason have not been able to support this change – and your pain and difficulty in this space.”

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Members of the Uniting Church’s 15th triennial Assembly have been considering the change to the marriage policy and other issues from July 7 in Melbourne.

During the meeting, advice from theological and legal experts were heard, and the ministry had the opportunity to speak for and against the changes.

Same-sex marriages in the church are expected to commence in the coming months.