The tribunal found it would not breach the church's fundamental declarations and principles, and it was up to each diocese whether they allowed such blessings. Many LGBTQ people of faith still want such a blessing from their bishop or priest even if they are not able to marry in their church.

At the time of her death, Deborah Ssekibaala, 45, was the head teacher at Kikamulo Church of Uganda Primary School located in Nakaseke. She is survived by five children. She had been a member of the Mothers' Union Fellowship attached to St. Mark's Cathedral in Luweero Diocese.

There's back-story here. Dave Smith had been divorced before, decades earlier. That's why he was never tenured as full rector but was nominally a "priest in charge". But the story goes even further back, to Dave's father Bruce.

Among others, the letter was co-signed by Rev Colin Coward, founder of Changing Attitude England, the Very Rev Michael Sadgrove, Dean Emeritus of Durham, and Canon Jeremy Pemberton.

"We need to know whether you are able to express public support for the full equality of LGBTIQ+ people in ministry and relationship in the Church of England," they wrote.