The top legislative body of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa is soon to decide on a proposal to make formal provision for pastoral care to church members identifying as gay and lesbian.
Church leaders are even debating whether to acknowledge legally wed gay or lesbian members to become ministers.
The proposal is contained in a motion included in the agenda of the church's Provincial Synod‚ which will take place late in September. The agenda is being sent to dioceses of the church this week.
Announcing the proposal‚ Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town said: "The motion‚ tabled by the Diocese of Saldanha Bay‚ proposes that any bishop of the church who wishes to do so may make provision for her or his clergy to provide pastoral care to those who identify as LGBTI".
"This proposal affirms the assurance already given by our bishops that church members who identify as LGBTI are loved by God and share in full membership of our Church as baptised members of the Body of Christ.
"More controversially‚ the motion also proposes that clergy who identify as LGBTI and are in legal same-sex civil unions should be licensed to minister in our parishes.
"It also suggests that 'prayers of blessing' should be able to be offered for those in same-sex civil unions. However‚ it specifically rules out the possibility of marriage under church law."
Allowing for potential dissent‚ the motion also accepts that any cleric unwilling to take part in providing pastoral care to people who identify as LGBTI shall not be obliged to do so.
The Archbishop said: "Without anticipating what Synod will decide‚ this debate is overdue in the top councils of our Church‚ and I welcome it."
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