Capping a 10-day convention in Anaheim, leaders of the Episcopal Church agreed Friday to consider marriage liturgies for same-sex unions and to give bishops greater latitude in meeting the spiritual needs of gay and lesbian couples.

The new policy marked a second victory for liberals after the church gave final approval Tuesday to a measure ending a de facto ban on the ordination of gay bishops.

Debate over liberalizing the rules underlined deep theological differences within the church of 2.1 million Episcopalians, and raised new concerns over tensions with the wider Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the communion.

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