Canadian Anglican delegates meeting in Winnipeg have voted against blessing same-sex unions, despite the majority of members actually being in favour of the motion.

"The laity voted in favour, the clergy voted in favour, but it was the House of Bishops that narrowly decided not to approve the motion that was before the members of Synod," Reverend Canon Christopher Pratt, of the Diocese of Huron, told CTV Newsnet on Sunday.

"In total point of fact, there was a majority of members of Synod that voted in favour (of the motion)."

The bishops voted against the motion 21-19. 

The Anglican Church does not perform weddings for same-sex couples; instead, debate focused on whether it should allow priests to perfrom blessings for those who obtain a civil marriage.

Earlier, delegates had decided that blessing same-sex unions would not conflict with the Church's core doctrine. But the final motion -- that clergy should be allowed to perform such blessings -- was defeated.

The vote came a day after delegates failed to make a decision after hours of wrangling over procedural issues.

Speakers at the annual meeting were torn over the issue and debated whether to even hold the vote this weekend.

"Sin is still sin, and to bless sin would be a disaster to our church," Rev. David Parsons, a minister for 28 years, warned attendees ahead of the vote.

"Jesus Christ is my one and only saviour, this Bible is trustworthy, and I urge you brothers and sisters to listen to it."

Others were more supportive of the blessings.

Archdeacon Karl McLean, a colonel with the Canadian Forces, said the church should bless same-sex relationships that are monogamous and committed.

"We need to consider and demonstrate God's character, God's love and justice," he said.

Canada's Evangelical Lutheran church, which is also meeting in Winnipeg this weekend, rejected same sex blessings in a vote held Saturday.

Pratt said the issue would be a source of continuing debate among clergy, despite Sunday's vote.

"I think this is going to be an ongoing discussion, as people take a look at the way in which they can effectively carry out the ministry to which they've been called at the local level," said Pratt. "And so the conversations are going to continue to go on, as people reflect on those basic elements of scripture and tradition."

With files from the Canadian Press