The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) has made a decision on same-sex marriage and the ordination of married same-sex clergy and elders.

A special committee made up of former Moderators prepared a report that was presented this past week at the church's annual General Assembly. The committee presented four options to those gathered.

The PCC says in an online report that "after some discussion about process, the Assembly moved into 'Committee of the Whole,' which was moderated by the Rev. Daniel Cho to discuss the options as presented.

"The commissioners asked questions to clarify the details of the pathways and then shared the pathways they felt most positive about. After many shared their opinions, commissioners took part in table group discussions and YARs joined different tables to share their thoughts.

"Before voting, the Rev. Karen Horst led the Assembly in a time of prayer and then commissioners voted through a secret ballot in complete silence. The Moderators left to count the vote and the silence was broken as commissioners joined together to sing."

In a secret ballot, delegates approved "Pathway B." This option was also known as the option of "inclusion."

It proposes to change the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s definition of marriage to be a committed/covenanted relationship between two persons.

Clergy would be permitted to conduct such marriages.

LGBT persons in married relationships would also be eligible for ordination.

The PCC says that "this pathway affirms that the context for sexual intimacy is within the vows of marriage. It was clarified that a committee will work on the implications and that this begins a year-long process."

The PCC also says that "there is no immediate change to practice or doctrine."