Methodist Church in Britain has conducted votes to allow same s-x marriages for intending couples.

LONDON (AP) reports that after debates on the topic at the Methodist Conference, the proposals to allow same-s-x marriages were passed with 254 votes in favour and 46 against.

The Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 30 announced officially, that same-s-x couples will be allowed to get married on its premises.

The Church said ministers who oppose the changes will not be forced to carry out same-s-x marriages.

The church has a membership of 164,000, making it the fourth-largest denomination of Christian churches in the U.K.

Dignity & Worth, a campaign group in the Methodist Church, said the vote was a “momentous step on the road to justice and inclusion” after many years of sometimes painful conversations.

Rev. Sam McBratney, who chairs the group, praised the “courageous step” taken by the church.