All but one of the 11 members said yes to the motion, according to board president Lloyd Henderson.

Church Minister Liz Richards said the congregation needed a policy on the issue.

She added there has not been a formal request to bless a same-sex union thus far.

The United Church of Canada adopted the policy allowing gay and lesbian unions in 1997.

"Each congregation has to claim the policy for themselves," said Richards.

Since that had not been done yet, the Yellowknife church needed direction from its board.

"Policy and practice in the United Church is if a couple does make a request then a blessing can be given," said Henderson.

The process is then the same as any other union in the church.

The couple would be required to go through pre-marriage counselling and discussions of faith with the minister.

Following those discussions it would be up to the minister to decide whether to perform the union. The Yellowknife United Church supported the right for gay and lesbian couples to marry in the church. Henderson said the board submitted a letter of support concerning the issue to the legislative assembly.

Individual congregations don't have to adopt the national policy of the United Church of Canada, said Henderson.