WORSHIPPERS at a Keighley-area church have voted overwhelmingly to allow their premises to host same-sex marriages.

Only three of the 27 members who took part in the ballot at Haworth's West Lane Baptist Church were against the move.

Two said they were unsure and the remainder were in favour.

Minister, the Rev Chris Upton, said afterwards that he was pleased to be part of "such an inclusive and loving church community".

It is believed West Lane is only the second baptist church in Yorkshire to register for same-sex marriages – the other is at Hebden Bridge.

"In 2013 the Government allowed places of worship to 'opt in' to be allowed to offer same-sex marriages," said Mr Upton.

"As a church we spent last year thinking about this, reflecting on our understanding of what it means to be a Christian, looking at what the Bible says and looking at what the baptist tradition says.

"We had meetings and considered this by ourselves over nine months to give full weight to the matter.

"Because we're a congregational church, our congregation decides our policy – we don't answer to a bishop. When we want to decide something we can do so by calling together members of the church and voting.

"I think over the years the views from the pulpit haven't properly recognised that first-century homosexual practice was very different from what happens in the 21st century. Now it's about mutually beneficial love rather than a one-sided abuse of power.

"The Baptist Church has always stood up for everybody. We should stand alongside people even if we disagree with their practices and shouldn't impose our views on other people."

At the church meeting, some non-members also voted – six were for, one was not sure and there were none against.

Mr Upton said he had been keen for the vote to be about discerning the will of Christ, as well as church members' own views.

He said a 'not sure' option was included to recognise the fact that some members had wrestled hard over the question, but had been unable to make up their minds.

"It was a good meeting and no one stormed off in a huff once the votes were read out," he added.

The administrative process to enable the church to conduct same-sex marriages should only take a few weeks.

Keighley town chaplain, the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard, said he was unsure if any other churches in the Keighley area had formally registered for same-sex marriages.

But he said Church of England vicars were forbidden by law from conducting the ceremonies.

"It would require a change of the law in Parliament and an amendment of Canon Law for a Church of England vicar to conduct such a ceremony," he added.

"However, opinion in the Church of England varies greatly, and there have been conversations taking place nationally over the past couple of years to develop a deeper respect and understanding for those with different opinions to our own."