WINSTON-SALEM — A Winston-Salem Methodist church says it's forgoing marriages for heterosexual couples until United Methodist pastors are allowed to officiate at marriages for same-sex couples.

The 18-member leadership council at Green Street United Methodist Church is asking pastors to conduct relationship blessings rather than marriage ceremonies in the sanctuary. That's until the United Methodist Church changes its policies.

The council has scheduled a Sunday news conference to discuss its stance.

In its initial announcement released through Equality NC, the church said it sees injustice in the legal position of state government and the theological position of its denomination. The council is asking the church's ministers to join others who refuse to sign any state marriage licenses until the same rights are granted to same-sex couples.