SAN FRANCISCO—Delegates representing Episcopal churches in the San Francisco Bay area approved three sets of prayers that clergy can use to bless same-sex couples, in opposition to their faith’s leaders pledging not to authorize special rites for gay unions.

The diocese is believed to be the first in the U.S. to make such rites available to its members, said Sean McConnell, a spokesman.

During the annual convention of the Diocese of California, about 500 lay delegates and clergy members also approved a resolution challenging last month’s decision by U.S. bishops to stop approving any more gay bishops to preserve the global Anglican community.

The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the U.S. The 77-million-member Anglican Communion has been divided over the role of gays in the church since 2003, when Episcopalians consecrated the first openly gay bishop.

Two Canadian dioceses also have endorsed creating services for same-sex blessing ceremonies.

The three prayers will now be made available to Bay Area clergy at the 82 churches who seek Andrus’ permission to preside at same-sex commitment ceremonies, which the diocese has allowed for many years, according to McConnell.